Banking system operated responsive to data bearing records

ABSTRACT

An automated banking machine operated responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader that is operative to read data from user cards including financial account identifying data, and to cause financial transfers responsive to the card data. The automated banking machine includes a sheet accepting device. The sheet accepting device is operative to receive a stack of sheets and to separate each sheet from the stack. Each sheet is aligned with a sheet path and analyzed by analysis devices including at least one magnetic read head, an imager, and/or a validation device. Sheets determined to have at least one property of a genuine sheet are processed and stored in the machine.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/653,000,filed Oct. 16, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,763,897 that claims benefitpursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Applications61/627,740 filed Oct. 17, 2011 and 61/633,602 filed Feb. 14, 2012, and61/655,562 filed Jun. 5, 2012. The contents of the aforementionedapplications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention pertains to automated banking machines that operateresponsive to data bearing records such as user cards and which may beclassified in U.S. Class 235, Subclass 379.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Automated banking machines may include a card reader that operates toread data from a bearer record such as a user card. The automatedbanking machine may operate to cause the data read from the card to becompared with other computer stored data related to the bearer. Themachine operates in response to the comparison determining that thebearer is an authorized system user to carry out at least onetransaction which is operative to transfer value to or from at least oneaccount. A record of the transaction is also commonly printed throughoperation of the automated banking machine and provided to the user. Acommon type of automated banking machine used by consumers is anautomated teller machine which enables customers to carry out bankingtransactions. Banking transactions carried out may include thedispensing of cash, the making of deposits, the transfer of fundsbetween accounts and account balance inquiries. The types of bankingtransactions a customer can carry out are determined by the capabilitiesof the particular banking machine and the programming of the institutionoperating the machine.

Other types of automated banking machines may be operated by merchantsto carry out commercial transactions. These transactions may include,for example, the acceptance of deposit bags, the receipt of checks orother financial instruments, the dispensing of rolled coin or othertransactions required by merchants. Still other types of automatedbanking machines may be used by service providers in a transactionenvironment such as at a bank to carry out financial transactions. Suchtransactions may include for example, the counting and storage ofcurrency notes or other financial instrument sheets, the dispensing ofnotes or other sheets, the imaging of checks or other financialinstruments, and other types of service provider transactions. Forpurposes of this disclosure an automated banking machine or an ATM shallbe deemed to include any machine that may be used to electronicallycarry out transactions involving automated transfers of value.

Automated banking machines may benefit from improvements.

This Application incorporates by reference in their entirety, each ofthe following U.S. Applications: application Ser. No. 13/135,673 filedJul. 12, 2011; application Ser. No. 13/135,663 filed Jul. 12, 2011;application Ser. No. 12/802,563 filed Jun. 9, 2010; application Ser. No.12/802,042 filed May 28, 2010; application Ser. No. 12/798,246 filedMar. 31, 2010; application Ser. No. 12/291,675 filed Nov. 12, 2008;application Ser. No. 12/380,105 filed Feb. 23, 2009; application Ser.No. 12/290,887 filed Nov. 3, 2008; application Ser. No. 11/983,401 filedNov. 8, 2007; application Ser. No. 11/881,044 filed Jul. 25, 2007;application Ser. No. 11/505,612 filed Aug. 17, 2006; application Ser.No. 11/135,924 filed May 23, 2005; application Ser. No. 10/722,129 filedNov. 24, 2003; Provisional Application 61/217,703 filed Jun. 2, 2009;Provisional Applications 61/002,911 and 61/002,818 filed Nov. 13, 2007;Provisional Application 60/858,023 filed Nov. 10, 2006; ProvisionalApplication 60/833,554 filed Jul. 26, 2006; Provisional Applications60/574,115 filed May 25, 2004 and 60/574,052 filed May 25, 2004;Provisional Application 60/465,733 filed Apr. 25, 2003; ProvisionalApplication 60/453,370 filed Mar. 10, 2003; and Provisional Applications60/429,249, 60/429,477, 60/429,521, and 60/429,528 filed Nov. 26, 2002.

OBJECTS OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

It is an object of an exemplary embodiment to provide an automatedbanking machine that operates responsive to data bearing records.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide a codedrecord sensing device and method.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide anautomated banking machine.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide anautomated banking machine with improved reliability and serviceability.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide a recordcontrolled banking apparatus.

It is an object of an exemplary embodiment to provide an automatedbanking machine that is operative to dispense sheets.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide a depositaccepting apparatus which can be used to accept, image and verify theauthenticity of items.

Further objects of exemplary embodiments will be made apparent in thefollowing Description of Exemplary Embodiments and the appended claims.

In an exemplary embodiment an automated banking machine includes a cardreader. The card reader is operative to read data included on usercards. The data read from user cards corresponds to financial accountsand may be used to identify authorized users who may performtransactions at the machine. The exemplary embodiment operates to acceptdocuments. These documents may include checks, currency bills and/orother types of documents. A single deposit accepting device may acceptmultiple types of documents. In this embodiment a document such as acheck is received through an opening in the housing of the bankingmachine and moved in a transport path therein in a first direction by afirst transport. Sensors are operative to sense the document has movedinto a suitable location within the device. The document is thenoperatively disengaged from the first transport and engaged with a pairof second transports which are disposed from one another in the firstdirection. The second transports operatively engage the document and areoperative to move the document in the transport path a directiontransverse of the first direction. The first transport disengages fromthe document such that the second transports can move the document andalign an edge thereof extending along the first direction with aplurality of non-contact sensors. At least one processor operates inaccordance with its programming to control the second transports andcontrols movement of the document in the second direction such that anedge of the document is aligned with the non-contact sensors which serveas a “virtual wall” for purposes of positioning the document.

Once the document is aligned such that an edge extends along the firstdirection in the desired orientation, the first transport reengages thedocument while the second transports disengage. The document is thenmoved again in the first direction past one or more appropriate sensingdevices. In the exemplary embodiment because the document is alignedalong the first direction, documents which are checks may have magneticindicia such as the micr line or other portion thereof, read throughoperation of one or more magnetic sensors such as a magnetic read head.Alternatively or in addition when the document is moved in a firstdirection, the magnetic properties of the document may be read orotherwise sensed in a plurality of locations by one or more magneticsensors which are operative to read magnetic properties of the document,including indicia thereon such as the micr line and/or other features.

In this exemplary embodiment the check is moved in a first directionpast a pair of scanning sensors. The scanning sensors are operative toread optical indicia on each side of the check and to produce image datacorresponding thereto. The data corresponding to the optical indicia maybe processed such that data corresponding to images of the front andrear of the check or portions thereof are generated and stored throughoperation of the processor in one or more data stores of the bankingmachine. The indicia on the check may also be analyzed for purposes ofdetermining information regarding on the check so that it can be used inconducting a transaction.

In this embodiment once a check has been moved past the sensors whichcapture data corresponding to optical indicia, the check is moved ingenerally the first direction into an area which may serve as an escrowarea for checks. In some embodiments the escrow area may be ofsufficient length so that multiple checks or other documents may betemporarily stored therein. In the exemplary embodiment, the machineoperates to determine whether the check is to be accepted or returned tothe customer while the check is held in the escrow area. For example insome embodiments one or more processors in the banking machine mayoperate to determine if the check can be sufficiently accurately read,redeemed for cash or otherwise processed while the check is stored inthe escrow area. If it is determined that the check cannot be accepted,one or more transports are operative to move the check out of thebanking machine so that the check is returned to the customer.

Alternatively if the check is found to be suitable for acceptance, thecheck is moved from the escrow area past one or more stamper printers.The stamper printer is operative to apply ink marks to one or moresurfaces of the check so as to indicate that the check has beencancelled or otherwise processed. In an exemplary embodiment the checkis thereafter moved into a vertically extending transport. As the checkenters the vertical transport, printing is conducted on the checkthrough operation of a suitable inkjet or other printer. Appropriateprinting is applied to the check to indicate it has been cancelled orotherwise processed as the check moves past the inkjet printer. Ofcourse printing of various indicia may be applied when other types ofdocuments are processed.

In the exemplary embodiment the inkjet printer has aligned on an opposedside of the transport therefrom, an ink catcher mechanism. The inkcatcher mechanism of the exemplary embodiment includes a movable head.The movable head includes an opening therein such that the opening maybe aligned with the ink spraying nozzles on the head of the inkjetprinter so as to receive ink therein that is not deposited on the checkor other document. The exemplary embodiment of the movable head alsoincludes a wiper. The head is moved through operation of a motor orother moving device at appropriate times so that the wiper engages thehead of the inkjet printer so as to minimize the buildup of ink andcontaminants thereon. This facilitates accurate printing and helps tominimize the risk of potential damage to checks by the accumulation ofexcess ink within the machine.

Checks or other documents that move past the printer in the verticaltransport are moved downward in the exemplary embodiment into a storagearea. Once the documents have moved adjacent a lower surface of thestorage area a transversely movable plunger mechanism is operative toengage the check and move it out of the vertical transport. In anexemplary embodiment the plunger mechanism is operative to be movablesuch that the check can be either moved into a storage location oneither transverse side of the vertical transport. Once the check ismoved out of the transport by the plunger mechanism the check or otherdocument may be held in intermediate relation between a pair of wallsurfaces and a spring biased backing plate. As a result checks or otherdocuments may be selectively moved by the plunger mechanism for storagein a selected one of the locations in the storage area.

Various approaches may be taken in the operation of automated bankingmachines for storing documents that are received by the documentaccepting mechanism. For example in some embodiments the mechanism mayonly accept checks. In such embodiments the machine may operate inaccordance with its programming to segregate checks that are drawn onthe particular institution owning the banking machine that receives thecheck, from checks that are drawn on other institutions. Alternativelythe banking machine may be programmed to store valid checks in onecompartment and suspect checks in another compartment. Alternatively insome other embodiments the document accepting mechanism may storemultiple types of documents. For example in a banking machine thataccepts currency bills and checks through the mechanism, bills may bestored in one compartment while checks are stored in another. Variousapproaches may be taken based on the programming of the particularautomated banking machine.

In an alternative embodiment the automated banking machine includes asheet access area which is operative to accept a stack including aplurality of sheets from a machine user. The sheet access area isbounded by a first sheet driver member and an opposed second sheetdriver member. At least one divider plate extends verticallyintermediate of the first and second sheet driver members. The at leastone divider plate and second sheet driver member are relatively movablewith respect to the first sheet driver member. The at least one dividerplate is operative to separate a first side from a second side of thesheet access area.

In the exemplary embodiment, a first side of the sheet access area isoperative to receive a stack of sheets from the machine user. The firstside is in operative connection with a sheet picker that separates eachsheet individually from the stack. The picker delivers each individualsheet to a transport in the sheet processing device which isalternatively referred to herein as a deposit accepting device. Thesheet processing device is operative in conjunction with the machine todetermine whether each of the sheets is acceptable, and if so acceptablesheets are accepted and stored in the machine. If not, the sheets aremoved back toward the sheet access area. In the exemplary embodiment, adiverter moves and/or directs sheets to be delivered out of the machinefrom the at least one sheet processing device to the second side of thedivider plate. In the exemplary embodiment the first sheet driver memberand the second sheet driver member are operative to act through at leastone opening in the at least one divider plate to move sheets both on thefirst side and the second side of the divider plate. Sheets to bereturned to the banking machine user are moved by the first and secondsheet driving members out of the sheet opening of the machine fordelivery to the user.

In still other embodiments, radiation type sheet detectors are used inconjunction with the at least one divider plate to detect sheets on thefirst side and on the second side. A further radiation type sheetdetector is used to detect sheets that may be present on either thefirst side or the second side. This is accomplished in an exemplaryembodiment through the use of an angularly reflective piece in operativesupported connection with at least one divider plate. The angularlyreflective piece is operative to reflect radiation. The radiation in theexemplary embodiment is received and reflected at an acute anglerelative to the divider plate. This enables a sensor including anemitter and receiver combination to be positioned transversely away fromthe divider plate. This enables successfully determining whether sheetsare present on a particular side of the divider plate.

Further in the exemplary embodiment the at least one divider plateincludes at least one aperture. At least one sensor includes a radiationemitter on a first side of the aperture and a radiation receiver on asecond side of the aperture. Signals from this sensor are used by atleast one processor in the machine to determine if sheets are present inthe sheet access area either on the first side or the second side of thedivider plate. As can be appreciated, in this embodiment at least oneprocessor is operative to determine the presence of sheets and wherethey are in the sheet access area. This is possible because the sensorthat senses radiation through the aperture is operative to determine ifany sheets are present in the sheet access area regardless of whetherthey are on the first side or the second side of the divider plate.Further the radiation sensor is operative to sense radiation reflectedfrom the radiation reflective piece. The signals corresponding to themagnitude of radiation sensed are used by at least one processor in themachine to determine if sheets are present on the side associated withthe radiation reflective piece. As a result this exemplary arrangementenables determining if sheets are present and where they are located.Further in other exemplary embodiments the reflective piece may be usedin connection with sheet engaging pieces in each of the first side andthe second side. Further additional sensors may be used of thereflective or through type to determine sheet position in alternativeembodiments.

In still other exemplary embodiments a sheet storage and retrievaldevice such as a belt recycler device may be used. The sheet storage andretrieval device may be used to store sheets that are being held pendingdetermination whether they are suitable for storage in the machine, orshould be returned to the customer. The first sheet storage andretrieval device may be used to selectively deliver sheets either to thesheet access area for return to the customer or for delivery to a sheetstorage area.

In other exemplary embodiments a second sheet storage and retrievaldevice is positioned in operatively intermediate relation of the firstsheet storage and retrieval device and the sheet access area. In someexemplary embodiments sheets stored in escrow in the first sheet storageand retrieval device are moved in a sheet path toward the sheet accessarea. A divider in operative connection with the sheet path is operativeto divert sheets that are determined to have at least one property whichindicates they should be stored in the machine, for storage in thesecond sheet storage and retrieval device. Those sheets that are to bereturned to the customer are moved in the sheet path and are directed bythe diverter to the second storage area for return to the customer.Sheets to be retained in the machine stored on the second sheet storageand retrieval device can be then moved therefrom into suitable storageareas in the machine. This may include for example in some embodiments,check storage areas or note storage areas. In some exemplary embodimentsthe first sheet storage and retrieval device and the second sheetstorage and retrieval device may each comprise a belt recycling device.Of course in other embodiments other devices operative to store anddeliver sheets may be used. Further in some embodiments note storageareas in the machine may be in operative connection with recyclingdevices which are operative to selectively deliver notes stored therein.Such recycling devices may be part of the cash dispenser device in theautomated banking machine.

In still other exemplary embodiments the sheet processing device in themachine may include in combination with a device for aligning sheetswith the sheet path, at least one transversely movable magnetic readhead. In the exemplary embodiment, the device includes one relativelyfixed magnetic read head and one magnetic read head that are selectivelymovable. The sheet processing device further includes at least onesensor that is operative to sense the width of each check that isreceived in the machine. The at least one sensor is operative to sensethe width after the check has been positioned and aligned relative tothe direction of the sheet path. In the exemplary embodiment thealignment of the check in the sheet path is operative to position thecheck so that if the check is in a first physical orientation, magneticcharacters in the micr line will pass adjacent the fixed magnetic readhead. Further in the exemplary embodiment, based on the sensed width ofthe check, the movable magnetic read head is positioned throughoperation of a positioning device to move transversely in the sheet pathto a selected transverse position in the sheet path. If the check is ina second orientation indicia included in the micr line of the check willpass adjacent the second magnetic read head. As a result in theexemplary embodiment, the magnetic read heads are positioned for eachcheck regardless of the facing position of the check such that at leastone of the magnetic read heads will be positioned to capture signalscorresponding to micr line indicia on the check. In other exemplaryembodiments both magnetic read heads may be selectively movable so as toassure reading of indicia.

Exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine provide thecapability of testing the operability of the magnetic read heads of thecheck reading device. In the exemplary embodiment the at least oneprocessor operates when the automated banking machine is not performingtransactions to operate an electromagnetic radiation emitter within thehousing of the machine. In exemplary embodiments the emitter may includean electric motor for running a sheet transport or other device thatalso performs another function in the machine. In exemplary embodimentsthe at least one processor in the machine operates in accordance withits programming to determine at least one property of theelectromagnetic radiation generated by the emitter that can be sensed bythe magnetic read heads and associated sensing circuitry. The at leastone processor analyzes signals corresponding to the type and/or level ofradiation from the radiation emitter that can be sensed by the readheads and/or sensing circuitry. In the exemplary embodiment the at leastone processor operates to determine if the read head/sensing circuitryhas experienced a reduction in its ability to sense radiation from theemitter based on one or more previously stored values. Such analysis isconducted to determine if there has been degradation in performance or amalfunction in the read head or the associated magnetic sensingcircuitry. The at least one processor operates in response toidentifying conditions which correspond to a probable malfunction inaccordance with its associated programming. This may include for examplecausing the banking machine to cease attempting to carry outtransactions that involve the reading of magnetic data on documents.Alternatively or in addition, the automated banking machine may operateto cause a notification concerning the condition to be given to a remoteservicer or to a transaction processor.

Other exemplary embodiments include features that facilitate servicingof an automated banking machine. These features help to facilitate therepair, analysis and diagnosis of conditions and malfunctions that mayoccur at the machine.

Numerous types of novel apparatus, articles, systems and methods aretaught by the disclosure hereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary deposit accepting apparatusshown in an open condition for servicing.

FIG. 2 is an opposite hand isometric view of the deposit acceptingapparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the devices included in the depositaccepting apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a top isometric view of a portion of an upper platen includingelements of a first transport which moves documents in a firstlongitudinal direction in the deposit accepting apparatus and secondtransports which move documents in a direction transverse to the firstdirection.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the platen and first and second drives shown inFIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view corresponding to FIGS. 4 and 5 showing theplaten with rolls of the first and second transports extendingtherethrough.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an upper platen and a lower platen of atransport mechanism of the exemplary deposit accepting apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing the positions of the first and secondtransports corresponding to FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 7 with the transports operating to movea document in a first direction.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the first and second transports correspondingto FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 9 with the document moved further intothe deposit accepting apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a front plan view showing the positions of the first andsecond transports.

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 11 showing the document moved in asecond direction transverse to the first direction.

FIG. 14 is a front plan view showing the relative positions of the firstand second transports when a document is moved in a transversedirection.

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 13 showing an edge of the documentaligned with the non-contact sensors.

FIG. 16 corresponds to FIG. 15 and shows the positions of the first andsecond transports.

FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 15 but showing an alternative documentincluding a folded edge.

FIG. 18 is a front view of the first and second transports correspondingto FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is an isometric view showing the movable mounting of theexemplary magnetic read head of the embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a partially sectioned view corresponding to FIG. 19 furthershowing the movable mounting for the magnetic read head.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional side view of the mounting for the magneticread head as shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is an isometric view showing an ink catcher mechanism of anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a partially exploded view showing the movable head disposedfrom the body of the ink catcher.

FIG. 24 is an exploded isometric view showing the body of the inkcatcher of FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is a partially exploded view of an exemplary form of the stamperprinter used in the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 26 is another exploded view of the exemplary stamper printer.

FIG. 27 is a side view showing the eccentric profile of the exemplaryembodiment of the printing roll of the stamper printer.

FIG. 28 is an isometric view of the storage compartment of thealternative deposit accepting mechanism shown with the storagecompartment having its access door in an open position.

FIG. 29 is an isometric view of the guide of the vertically extendingtransport that extends in the storage area.

FIG. 30 is a side view of the vertically extending transport thatextends in the storage area of the exemplary deposit acceptingapparatus.

FIG. 31 is an isometric view of the apparatus shown accepting a documentinto the vertically extending transport.

FIGS. 32 through 35 show the sequential movement of an exemplary plungermember as it operates to move a document held in the verticallyextending transport into a storage location positioned on the left sideof the storage mechanism as shown.

FIG. 36 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 31 showing the verticaltransport of the accepting a document therein.

FIGS. 37 through 40 show the sequential movement of the exemplaryplunger member to move a document in the vertical transport to a storagelocation on the right side of the vertical transport as shown.

FIG. 41 is a schematic view showing an automated banking machine with analternative exemplary deposit accepting device.

FIG. 42 is a schematic view of an exemplary deposit accepting device ofthe type shown in the automated banking machine of FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is a plan view of an exemplary platen in a document alignmentarea of the alternative deposit accepting device.

FIG. 44 is a view similar to FIG. 43 but including portions of a checktherein showing the location of the indicia included in the micr line inthe four possible orientations of a check in the document alignmentarea.

FIG. 45 is an isometric view showing an exemplary movable micr readhead.

FIGS. 46 and 47 are schematic views of an exemplary sheet access area ina position prior to accepting a stack of sheets.

FIGS. 48 and 49 are views of the sheet access area receiving the stackof sheets.

FIGS. 50 and 51 show the sheet access area while moving the stack ofsheets toward a picker.

FIGS. 52 and 53 show the sheet access area after the stack of sheets isaccepted therein and a gate mechanism is closed.

FIGS. 54 and 55 show the stack of documents while the stack is movinginto a position adjacent the picker.

FIGS. 56 and 57 show the sheet access area with the upper sheet drivingmember disposed away from the stack.

FIGS. 58 and 59 show the sheet access area receiving a rejected sheetwhile still holding some sheets from the original input stack.

FIGS. 60 and 61 show the sheet driver members operating to move sheetsout of the sheet access area in which the sheets are positioned on bothsides of the divider plate.

FIGS. 62 and 63 show sheets on each side of the divider plate that havebeen presented to the customer in a position being returned into themachine, which may be done for example in response to the machine usernot taking the sheets.

FIGS. 64 and 65 show retracted sheets being picked for storage in themachine through operation of the picker.

FIGS. 66 and 67 show the sheet access area operating to deliver a stackof sheets to a user such as a stack of rejected checks.

FIG. 68 shows an exemplary sensor arrangement of the sheet access area.

FIG. 69 is a plan view of an exemplary divider plate.

FIGS. 70 through 74 are a schematic representation of the exemplarylogic carried out through operation of at least one processor fordetermining the condition of magnetic sensing components used in anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 75 is a schematic view of an alternative deposit accepting device.

FIG. 76 is an isometric view of a portion of the deposit acceptingdevice shown in FIG. 75 with a sheet transport access cover open.

FIG. 77 is an opposite hand isometric view of the portion of the depositaccepting device shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 78 is an enlarged view of the open transport access cover includinga sensor and a latch.

FIG. 79 shows a back view of the sheet storage and retrieval device andtransport.

FIG. 80 is a front view of the sheet storage and retrieval device.

FIG. 81 is a plan view of an exemplary flexible web used in a sheetstorage and retrieval device.

FIG. 82 is an isometric view showing a deposit accepting device and avisual indicator at the front of the device.

FIG. 83 is a portion of the rear area of an exemplary deposit acceptingdevice including a rear visual indicator.

FIG. 84 is an exemplary screen output from the automated banking machineshowing a visual representation of the deposit accepting device.

FIG. 85 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of componentsused to determine sheet movement of a sheet in a sheet path of anautomated banking machine.

FIG. 86 is a schematic view of an alternative exemplary embodiment usedfor determining sheet movement in a sheet path within an automatedbanking machine.

FIG. 87 is a schematic view of a system used in connection withautomated banking machines for purposes of improving the sheet handlingcapabilities thereof.

FIG. 88 shows another example of an automated banking machine.

FIG. 89 shows a front side of a financial check.

FIG. 90 shows the rear side of the financial check shown in FIG. 89.

FIG. 91 shows one side of currency bill.

FIG. 92 shows a sheet analysis arrangement that uses a camera.

FIG. 93 shows a sheet analysis arrangement that involves a contactsensor.

FIG. 94 shows a sheet analysis arrangement that uses a laser.

FIG. 95 shows a sheet analysis arrangement that involves uses of emittedradiation.

FIG. 96 shows a sheet analysis arrangement that involves usesultrasound.

FIG. 97 shows a sheet analysis arrangement that includes a sheetidentifying area, a currency not validation area, and a check validationarea located adjacent a single sheet path.

FIG. 98 shows a sheet analysis arrangement that includes separate pathsfor respectively analyzing a currency note and analyzing a financialcheck.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,548, the disclosure of which is incorporated hereinby reference, discloses an exemplary deposit accepting device of a cardactivated cash dispensing automated banking machine. For purposes ofthis disclosure a deposit accepting device shall be construed toencompass any apparatus which senses indicia on documents input to anautomated banking machine. Further deposit accepting device features andautomated banking machine features are shown in U.S. Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/133,477 filed Jun. 30, 2008 and Ser. No. 61/192,282 filedSep. 17, 2008 the disclosures of each of which are incorporated hereinby reference in their entirety.

A deposit accepting device 420 of an exemplary embodiment and having thefeatures described hereafter is shown in FIG. 1. The deposit acceptingdevice is shown with the mechanism open so as to enable more readilydescribing its components. The deposit accepting mechanism would be openin the manner shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 only when the device is not inoperation. Rather the device would be placed in the open condition forservicing activities such as clearing jams, cleaning, adjusting orreplacing components. This can be readily done in this exemplaryembodiment by a servicer as later described.

The deposit accepting device includes a document inlet opening 422. Inthe exemplary embodiment during operation the inlet opening is incommunication with the outside of the housing of the automated bankingmachine. Documents received through the inlet opening travel along atransport path in the device. The transport path in the device furtherincludes a document alignment area 424 in which documents are aligned tofacilitate the processing thereof. The exemplary form of the unitfurther includes a document analysis area 426. The exemplary documentanalysis area includes scanning sensors and magnetic sensors forpurposes of reading indicia from the documents.

The exemplary form of the device further includes an escrow area 428along the transport path. In the escrow area documents that have beenreceived are stored pending determination to either accept the documentsor return them to the user. The exemplary deposit accepting devicefurther includes a storage area 430 which operates to store documentsthat have been accepted for deposit within the deposit accepting device.Of course it should be understood that this structure is exemplary ofarrangements that may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment documents are received through the openingand the presence of a document is sensed by at least one sensor 432.Sensing a document at the opening at an appropriate time during ATMoperation (such as at a time when a user indicates through an inputdevice of the machine that they wish to input a document) causes atleast one processor to operate so as to control a gate 434. Theprocessor operates upon sensing the document to cause the gate to movefrom the closed position to the open position. This is accomplished inthe exemplary embodiment by a drive such as an electric motor orsolenoid moving an actuator member 436 as shown in FIG. 1. The actuatormember 436 includes a cam slot 438 which causes corresponding movementof the gate 434 to the desired position. In some embodiments the atleast one sensor 432 or other sensor in the device is operative to senseproperties that would indicate whether the document being inserted is adouble or other multiple document. At least one processor in the bankingmachine may operate in accordance with its programming to not acceptmultiple documents and to cause the banking machine to provide at leastone output to advise the user to insert a single document.

Responsive to the sensing of the document and other conditions asdetermined by at least one processor, a first transport 440 operates tomove the document into the document alignment area. In the exemplaryembodiment the document is moved in engaged relation between a beltflight 442 and rollers 444. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, rollers 444extend in openings 446 in an upper platen 448 to engage or at least movein very close proximity to belt flight 442. As shown in FIG. 4, rollers444 are mounted on a movable carriage 450. Carriage 450 is movablerotationally about a shaft 452. Movement of the carriage 450 enablesselectively positioning of the rollers 444 to be in proximity to thesurface of belt flight 442 or to be disposed away therefrom for reasonsthat are later discussed. After the document is sensed as having movedinto the device the processor operates to cause the gate to be closed.Alternatively if a user has provided inputs through input devices on themachine indicating that they will be depositing more documents in themachine, the gate may remain open until the last document is deposited.

As shown in FIG. 4 through 6, platen 448 in the operative position is inadjacent relation with a lead in guide 454. Guide portion 454 and platen448 include corresponding contoured edges 456, 458. The contoured edgesof the exemplary embodiment are of a toothed contoured configuration.This configuration is used in the exemplary embodiment to reduce therisk that documents will become caught at the adjacent edges of theplaten and the guide. The toothed contoured configuration of theadjacent surfaces helps to minimize the risk that documents catch or arefolded or damaged as they pass the adjacent surfaces. Of course itshould be understood that this approach is exemplary and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment the document alignment area includestransverse transport rolls 460 and 462. The transverse transport rollsextend through apertures in the platen 464 that supports belt flight442. The transverse transport rolls of the exemplary embodiment areconfigured to have axially tapered surfaces extending in eachlongitudinal direction from the radially outermost extending portion ofthe roll so as to minimize the risks of documents being caught by asurface thereof. In alternative embodiments transverse transport rollsmay have simple or compound curved surfaces to minimize the risk ofcatching transversely moving documents, which configurations shall alsobe referred to as tapered for purposes of this disclosure. In theexemplary embodiment the upper surface of the transverse transport rollsare generally at about the same level as the upper surface of beltflight 442. In addition each of the transverse transport rolls are inoperative connection with a drive device. The drive device of theexemplary embodiment enables the transverse transport rolls to moveindependently for purposes of aligning documents as later discussed.

In supporting connection with platen 448 are a pair of transversefollower rolls 466 and 468. The transverse follower rolls each extend ina corresponding opening in the platen 448. Transverse follower roll 466generally corresponds to the position of transverse transport roll 460.Likewise transverse follower roll 468 corresponds to the position oftransverse transport roll 462. As shown in FIG. 4, rolls 466 and 468 aresupported on a movable carriage 470. Carriage 470 is rotatably movableabout shaft 452. A drive 472 is selectively operative responsive tooperation of one or more processors in the banking machine to cause themovement of carriage 470 and carriage 450. The drive may be a suitabledevice for imparting movement, such as a motor or a solenoid. As aresult, drive 472 of the exemplary embodiment is selectively operativeto dispose rollers 444 adjacent to belt flight 442 or dispose therollers therefrom. Likewise drive 472 is selectively operative to placetransverse follower rolls 466 and 468 in adjacent relation withtransverse transport rolls 460 and 462. These features are useful forpurposes of aligning documents as will be later discussed. Of coursethis approach to a transverse transport for documents is exemplary andin other embodiments other approaches may be used.

The document alignment area 424 further includes a plurality ofalignment sensors 474. In the exemplary embodiment non-contact sensorsare used, which can sense the document without having to have anyportion of the sensor contact the document. The exemplary alignment areaincludes three alignment sensors that are disposed from one anotheralong the transport direction of belt flight 442. In the exemplaryembodiment one sensor is aligned transversely with each of rolls 460 and462 and a third sensor is positioned intermediate of the other twosensors. The alignment sensors of the exemplary embodiment are radiationtype and include an emitter and a receiver. The sensors sense thedocuments that move adjacent thereto by detecting the level of radiationfrom the emitter that reaches the receiver. It should be understood thatalthough three alignment sensors are used in the exemplary embodiment,other embodiments may include greater or lesser numbers of such sensors.Further while the alignment sensors are aligned along the direction ofdocument transport path in the exemplary embodiment, in otherembodiments other sensor arrangements may be used such as a matrix ofsensors, a plurality of transversely disposed sensors or other suitablearrangement.

The operation of the document alignment area will now be described withreference to FIGS. 8 through 18. In the exemplary embodiment when adocument is sensed entering the device, carriage 450 which is controlledthrough the drive 472 is positioned such that rollers 444 are positionedin adjacent relation to belt flight 442. This position is shown in FIG.8. In this document receiving position carriage 470 is moved such thatthe transverse follower rolls 466 and 468 are disposed away from thetransverse transport rolls 460 and 462.

In response to sensing a document 476 being positioned in the inletopening 422 and other appropriate conditions, the at least one processoris operative to cause the first transport 440 to move belt flight 442.If a double or other multiple document is sensed the first transport maynot run or may run and then return the document to the user aspreviously discussed. Moving belt flight 442 inward causes the firstdocument to be moved and engaged with the transport in sandwichedposition between the rollers 444 and the belt flight as shown in FIG. 9.In this position the transverse transport and transverse follower rollsare disposed away from one another so that the document 476 can move inengagement with the first transport into the document alignment area.The tapered surfaces of the transverse transport rolls 460,462facilitate the document moving past the rolls without snagging. Itshould also be noted that projections on the surface of platen 464operate to help to move the document by minimizing the risk of thedocument snagging on various component features. Further the projectionson the platen help to minimize the effects of surface tension that mightotherwise resist document movement and/or cause damage to the document.Of course these approaches are exemplary, and other embodiments mayemploy other approaches.

Position sensors for documents are included in the document alignmentarea and such sensors are operative to sense when the document has movedsufficiently into the document alignment area so that the document canbe aligned. Such sensors may be of the radiation type or other suitabletypes. When the document 476 has moved sufficiently inward, the firsttransport is stopped. In the stopped position of the transport, thedrive 472 operates to move carriage 470 as shown in FIG. 12. This causesthe transverse transport and follower rolls to move adjacent with thedocument 476 positioned therebetween so as to engage the document.

Thereafter as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 the drive 472 is operative tomove the carriage 450. This causes the rollers 444 to be disposed frombelt flight 442 which disengages this transport with respect to thedocument. Thereafter the one or more drives which are operative to movethe transverse transport rolls, operate responsive to at least oneprocessor so as to move document 476 in a direction transverse to thedirection of prior movement by belt flight 442 as well as to deskew thedocument. As shown in FIG. 15, the document 476 is moved sideways untila longitudinal edge 478 is aligned with the alignment sensors 474. Inthe exemplary embodiment the alignment sensors 474 provide a virtualwall against which to align the longitudinal edge of the document. Thesensing of the document by the alignment sensors 474 of the edge of thedocument enables precise positioning of the document and aligning it ina desired position which facilitates later reading indicia therefrom. Inan exemplary embodiment in which the documents are checks, the precisealignment of the longitudinal edge enables positioning of the documentand its magnetic ink character recognition (micr) line thereon so as tobe in position to be read by a read head as later discussed. Of coursein other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In some exemplary embodiments the alignment sensors are in operativeconnection with one or more processors so that the transports arecontrolled responsive to the sensors sensing a degree of reduction inradiation at a receiver from an associated emitter of a sensor as thedocument moves toward a blocking position relative to the sensor. Theexemplary embodiment may be configured such that a drive operating thetransverse transport roll may cease to further move the sheettransversely when the alignment sensor which is transversely alignedwith the transport roll senses a certain reduction in the amount ofradiation reaching the sensor from the emitter. Thereafter the otherdrive operating the other transverse transport roll may continue tooperate until the alignment sensor that corresponds to that transportroll senses a similar degree of reduction. In this way the processoroperating the independently controlled transverse transport rolls causethe longitudinal edge of the document to be aligned with the virtualwall produced through use of the sensors.

In alternative embodiments the apparatus may operate in accordance withits programming to cause the respective transverse transport rolls tomove the document transversely such that a reduction in radiation fromthe respective emitter is sensed reaching the corresponding receiveruntil no further reduction occurs. This corresponds to a condition wherethe document fully covers the corresponding receiver. Thereafter therespective drive for the transverse transport roll may be reversed indirection to a desired level such as, for example, fifty percent of thetotal reduction which would indicate that the transverse edge ispositioned to cover approximately fifty percent of the receiver. In thisway this alternative embodiment may be able to align documents that haverelatively high radiation transmissivity or transmissivity that isvariable depending on the area of the document being sensed by thesensor. Alternatively a transverse linear array of sensors, such as CCDsmay be used to determine the transverse position of a particular portionof the edge of the sheet. Alternatively a plurality of transverselyextending arrays of sensors may be used to sense the positions of one ormore portions of one or more edges of the sheet. A plurality of spacedarrays may be used to sense the position of the sheet. Of course theseapproaches are exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches maybe used.

Once the document has been aligned and moved to the position shown inFIG. 15, the drive 472 operates to move the carriage 450 such that therollers 444 are again moved adjacent to belt flight 442. Thereafter thedrive moves the carriage 470 so as to dispose the transverse followerrolls 466 and 468 away from the transverse transport rolls. Thisposition is shown in FIG. 8. Thereafter the now aligned document can befurther moved along the transport path through movement of the firsttransport out of the document alignment area of the device to thedocument analysis area.

FIGS. 17 and 18 disclose an operational feature of the exemplaryembodiment where a document 480 has a folded edge. In this exemplarysituation the folded edge is configured so that the alignment sensor 474which corresponds to transverse transport roll 462 cannot sense alongitudinal edge of the document until the document is unduly skewed.However, in this situation the middle alignment sensor will be operativeto sense the middle portion of the longitudinal edge as will thealignment sensor that corresponds to transverse transport roll 460before sensor 474 senses the edge of the document. In the exemplaryembodiment the at least one processor that controls the operation of thedrives for the transverse transport rolls is operative to controlmovement of the document transversely when the middle alignment sensorsenses the edge of the document even through one of the end sensors hasnot. This is true even for a folded document or a document that has beentorn. The at least one processor controls each transverse roll to movethe document transversely until two of the three sensors detect and edgeof the document in the desired aligned position. In this way even suchan irregular document is generally accurately aligned in thelongitudinal direction from the transport.

It should be understood that the exemplary embodiment uses radiationtype sensors for purposes of aligning the document in the alignmentsection. In other embodiments other types of sensors such as sonicsensors, inductance sensors, air pressure sensors or other suitablesensors or combinations thereof, may be used.

Once the document has been aligned in the document alignment area of thetransport path, the deposit accepting device operates responsive to theprogramming associated with one or more processors, to cause thedocument to be moved along the transport path by the first transportinto the document analysis area. In the exemplary embodiment thedocument analysis area includes at least one magnetic sensing devicewhich comprises the magnetic read head 482. Magnetic read head 482 is insupporting connection with platen 448 and in the exemplary embodiment ismovable relative thereto. The alignment of the document in the documentalignment area is operative in the exemplary embodiment to place themicr line on the check in corresponding relation with the magnetic readhead. Thus as the document is moved by the first transport into thedocument analysis area, the micr line data can be read by the magneticread head. Of course in some alternative embodiments micr or othermagnetic indicia may be read through other magnetic sensing elementssuch as the type later discussed, or optically, in the manner shown inU.S. Pat. No. 6,474,548, for example.

FIGS. 19 through 21 show an exemplary form of the movable mounting forthe magnetic read head 482. In the exemplary embodiment the magneticread head is positioned in a retainer 484. Retainer 484 includes a firstprojection 486 that extends in and is movable in an aperture 488.Retainer 484 also includes a projection 490 which is movable in anaperture 492. A tension spring 494 extends through a saddle area 496 ofthe housing 484. The saddle area includes two projections which acceptthe spring 494 therebetween. This exemplary mounting for the magneticread head provides for the head to float such that it can maintainengagement with documents that are moved adjacent thereto. However, themovable character of the mounting which provides both for angular andvertical movement of the read head reduces risk of snagging documents asthe documents move past the read head. Further the biased springmounting is readily disengaged and enables readily replacing themagnetic read head in situations where that is required. Of course thisapproach is exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may beused.

The exemplary document analysis area includes in addition to the readhead a magnetic sensing element 498. The magnetic sensing element insome exemplary embodiments may read magnetic features across thedocument as the document is moved in the document analysis area. In someembodiments the magnetic reading device may be operative to readnumerous magnetic features or lines so as to facilitate the magneticprofile of the document as discussed herein. In some embodiments themagnetic sensing element may sense areas of the document in discreteelements which provide a relatively complete magnetic profile of thedocument or portions thereof. In some embodiments the magnetic sensingcapabilities may be sufficient so that a separate dedicated read headfor reading the micr line of checks is not required. Of course theseapproaches are exemplary and may vary depending on the type of documentswhich are being analyzed through the system.

The exemplary document analysis area further includes a first scanningsensor 500 and a second scanning sensor 502. The scanning sensors areoperative to sense optical indicia on opposed sides of the document. Thescanning sensors in combination with at least one processor areoperative to produce data which corresponds to a visual image of eachside of the document. This enables analysis of visual indicia ondocuments through operation of at least one processor in the ATM. In thecase of checks and other instruments the scanning sensors also enablecapturing data so as to produce data which corresponds to image of acheck which may be used for processing an image as a substitute check,and/or other functions.

In some embodiments, the data corresponding to images of the documentsmay be used by the ATM to provide outputs to a user. For example, animage of a check may be output through a display screen of the ATM so auser may be assured that the ATM has captured the image data. In somecases at least one processor in the ATM may apply digital watermarks orother features in the data to minimize the risk of tampering. In someembodiments at least one processor may operate in accordance with itsprogramming to indicate through visual outputs to a user with the imagethat security features have been applied to the image data. This mayinclude outputs in the form of words and/or symbols which indicate asecurity feature has been applied. This helps to assure a user that theATM operates in a secure manner in processing the accepted check. Ofcourse, this approach is exemplary of things that may be done in someembodiments.

In alternative embodiments the programming of one or more processorsassociated with the ATM may enable the scanning sensors, magneticsensors and other sensing elements to gather data which is usable toanalyze other types of documents. Other types of sensing elements mayinclude, for example, UV, IR, RFID, fluorescence, RF and other sensorsthat are capable of sensing properties associated with document.Documents may include for example receipts, certificates, currency,vouchers, gaming materials, travelers checks, tickets or other documenttypes. The data gathered from the sensors in the analysis area may beprocessed for purposes of determining the genuineness of such itemsand/or the type and character thereof. Of course the nature of thesensors included in the analysis area may vary depending on the type ofdocuments to be processed by the device. Also some embodiments mayoperate so that if a micr line or other magnetic characters on thedocument are not aligned with the magnetic read head, the document cannonetheless be analyzed and processed using data from other sensors.

It should also be noted that documents are moved in the documentanalysis area through engagement with a plurality of driving rolls 504.The driving rolls 504 operate in response to one or more drives that arecontrolled responsive to operation of one or more processors in the ATM.The drives are operative to move documents into proximity with and pastthe sensors so as to facilitate the reading of indicia thereon. Thedocument may be moved in one or more directions to facilitate thereading and analysis thereof.

Once a document has been moved through the document analysis area, thedocument passes along the transport path into escrow area 428. Escrowarea 428 includes a third transport 506. Transport 506 includes an upperbelt flight 508. The plurality of cooperating rollers 510 supportedthrough platen 449 are positioned adjacent to belt flight 508 in theoperative position. Documents entering the escrow area are moved inengagement with belt flight 508 and intermediate to belt flight and therollers.

In the exemplary embodiment documents that have been passed through thedocument analysis area are moved in the escrow area where the documentsmay be stopped for a period of time during which decisions are madeconcerning whether to accept the document. This may include for example,making a determination through operation of the ATM or other connectedsystems concerning whether to accept an input check. If it is determinedthat the check should not be accepted, the direction of the transportsare reversed and the check is moved from the escrow area through thedocument analysis area, the document alignment area and back out of theATM to the user. Alternatively if the decision is made to accept thedocument into the ATM, the document is moved in a manner later discussedfrom the escrow area to the document storage area of the device.

In some exemplary embodiments the escrow area may be sufficiently largeto hold several checks or other documents therein. In this way a userwho is conducting a transaction involving numerous checks may have allthose checks accepted in the machine, but the programming of the machinemay enable readily returning all those checks if the user elects to doso or if any one or more of the documents is determined to beunacceptable to the machine. Alternatively or in addition, storagedevices such as belt storage mechanisms, transports or other escrowdevices may be incorporated into the transport path of a depositaccepting device so that more numerous documents may be stored thereinand returned to the user in the event that a transaction is notauthorized to proceed. Of course these approaches are exemplary.

It should be noted that the exemplary escrow area includes a lowerplaten with a plurality of longitudinal projections which extendthereon. The longitudinal projections facilitate movement of thedocument and reduce surface tension so as to reduce the risk of thedocument being damaged.

In the exemplary embodiment the escrow area further includes a stamperprinter 512. In the exemplary embodiment the stamper printer issupported through platen 449 and includes an ink roll type printer whichis described in more detail in FIGS. 25 through 27. The escrow areafurther includes a backing roll 514 which operates to assure thatdocuments move in proximity to the stamper printer so that indicia canbe printed thereon.

The exemplary form of the stamper printer is shown in greater detail inFIGS. 25 through 27. The exemplary printer includes an eccentric inkbearing roll 518 shown in FIG. 27. The eccentric shape of the inkbearing roll in cross section includes a flattened area 520 which isdisposed radially closer to a rectangular opening 522 which extends inthe roll, than a printing area 524 which is angularly disposed and inopposed relation thereof. The flattened area is generally positionedadjacent to documents when documents are moved through the escrow areaand printing is not to be conducted thereon by the stamper printer. Inthe exemplary embodiment the ink roll 518 is encapsulated in plastic andis bounded by a plastic coating or cover about its circumference.Apertures or openings are cut therethrough in the desired design that isto be printed on the documents. As can be appreciated, the apertureswhich are cut in the plastic which encapsulates the outer surface of theink bearing roll enables the ink to be transferred from the ink holdingroll material underlying the plastic coating, to documents in the shapeof the apertures. For example in the embodiment shown a pair of angledlines are printed on documents by the stamper printer. Of course thisapproach is exemplary and in other embodiments other types of inkingmechanisms and/or designs may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment the ink roll 518 is supported on a firstshaft portion 526 and a second shaft portion 528. The shaft portionsinclude rectangular projections that are generally rectangular inprofile 523, that extend in the opening 522 of the ink roll. The shaftportions include flanged portions 530 and 532 that are disposed from theradial edges of the roll. Shaft portions 526 and 528 include aninterengaging projection 525 and access 527, as well as a tab 529 andrecess that engage and serve as a catch, which are operative to engageand be held together so as to support the roll.

Shaft portion 526 includes an annular projection 534. Annular projection534 is adapted to engage in a recess which is alternatively referred toas a slot (not separately shown) which extends generally vertically in abiasing tab 536 as shown in FIG. 25. Biasing tab 536 is operative toaccept the projection in nested relation and is operative to provide anaxial biasing force against shaft portion 526 when the first shaftportion is positioned therein. This arrangement enables holding theshaft portion in engaged relation with the biasing tab. However, when itis desired to change the stamper printer and/or the ink roll therein,the biasing tab may be moved such that the annular projection may beremoved from the interengaging slot by moving the projection 534 upwardin the recess so as to facilitate removal of the printer and ink roll.The biasing tab is supported on a bracket 538 that is in supportingconnection with the platen which overlies the escrow area.

Second shaft portion 528 includes an annular projection 540. Projection540 includes on the periphery thereof an angled radially outwardextending projection 542. Projection 542 has a particular contour whichis angled such that the transverse width of the projection increaseswith proximity to the flange portion 542. This configuration is helpfulin providing a secure method for moving the ink roll but alsofacilitates changing the ink roll and stamper printer when desired.

In the exemplary embodiment the ink roll 518 is housed within a housing544. Housing 544 is open at the underside thereof such that the printingarea 524 can extend therefrom to engage a document from the escrow area.Housing 544 also includes two pairs of outward extending ears 546. Ears546 include apertures therein that accept housing positioningprojections 545 on the associated mounting surface of the device and areoperative to more precisely position the housing and the ink roll on thesupporting platen and to facilitate proper positioning when a new inkroll assembly is installed. Housing 544 also includes apertures 543through which the shaft portions extend. A flange portion is positionedadjacent to each aperture.

In the exemplary embodiment shaft portion 528 is driven through a clutchmechanism 548. Clutch mechanism 548 of the exemplary embodiment is awrap spring clutch type mechanism which is selectively actuatablethrough electrical signals. The clutch is driven from a drive through agear 550. The clutch 548 outputs rotational movement through a coupling552. Coupling 552 includes the annular recess that corresponds toprojection 540 and a radial recess which corresponds in shape toprojection 542. Thus in the exemplary embodiment the force of thebiasing tab enables the coupling 552 to solidly engage shaft portion528.

During operation gear 550 which is operatively connected to a driveprovides a mechanical input to the clutch 548. However, the ink rollgenerally does not rotate. Transport 506 is operative to move a documentin the transport in the escrow area responsive to signals from aprocessor. Sensors such as radiation sensors in the escrow area areoperative to indicate one or more positions of the document to theprocessor. When the document is to be marked with the stamper printer itis positioned adjacent to the ink roll by operation of a processorcontrolling the transport in the escrow area. A signal is sentresponsive to the processor to the clutch 548. This signal is operativeto engage the coupling 552 which causes the shaft portions 528 and 526to rotate the ink roll 518. As the ink roll rotates the printing area524 engages the surface of the document causing ink markings to beplaced thereon. The ink roll rotates in coordination with movement ofthe document. The clutch is operative to cause the coupling to carry outone rotation such that after the document has been marked, the printingarea is again disposed upward within the housing. The flattened portion520 of the ink roll is again disposed in its initial position facing thedocument. Thus documents are enabled to pass the stamper printer 512without having any unwanted markings thereon or without being snagged bythe surfaces thereof.

It should be understood that when it is desired to change the stamperprinter ink roll because the ink thereon has become depleted oralternatively because a different type of marking is desired, this maybe readily accomplished. A servicer does this by deforming or otherwisemoving the biasing tab 536 and moving the shaft portion 526 upward suchthat the annular projection 534 no longer extends in the slot in thebiasing tab. This also enables projection 534 to be moved upward and outof a stationary slot 554 in the bracket 538. As the annular projection534 is moved in this manner the annular projection 540 and radialprojection 542 are enabled to be removed from the corresponding recessesin the coupling 552. This enables the housing 544 to be moved such thatthe ears 546 on the housing can be separated from the positioningprojections which help to assure the proper positioning of the ink rollwhen the housing is in the operative position. Thereafter a new housingshaft and ink roll assembly can be installed. This may be accomplishedby reengaging the projections 540 and 542 with the coupling 552 andengaging the projection 534 in the slot of biasing tab 536. During suchpositioning the positioning projections are also extended in the ears546 of the housing, to locate the housing and reliably position the inkroll.

It should further be understood that although only one ink roll is shownin the exemplary embodiment, alternative embodiments may includemultiple ink rolls or multiple stamper printers which operate to printindicia on checks. Such arrangements may be used for purposes ofprinting varied types of information on various types of documents. Forexample in some situations it may be desirable to return a document thathas been processed through operation of the device to the user. In suchcircumstances a stamper printer may print appropriate indicia on thedocument such as a “void” stamp or other appropriate marking. Of coursethe type of printing that is conducted may vary as is appropriate forpurposes of the particular type of document that is being processed. Inother embodiments alternative approaches may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment a document that is to be moved from theescrow area can be more permanently stored in the machine by moving thedocument to a storage area 430. Documents are moved from the escrow areatoward the storage area by moving the document in engagement with beltflight 508 so that the document engages a curved deflector 554.Deflector 554 causes the document to engage a vertical transport 556that extends in the storage area 430. As best shown in FIG. 30 verticaltransport 556 includes two continuous belts that are driven by a drive558. The transport 556 includes a pair of disposed belts, each of whichhas a belt flight 560. Each belt flight 560 extends in generally opposedrelation of a corresponding rail 562 of a vertical guide 564. As shownin FIG. 29 guide 564 of the exemplary embodiment is constructed so thatthe rails 562 are biased toward the belt flights by a resilientmaterial. This helps to assure the document can be moved between thebelt flights and the rails in sandwiched relation. Such a document 568is shown moving between the rails and the belt flights in FIG. 30.Alternatively in some embodiments a single belt flight, rollers or othersheet moving members may be used.

It should also be noted that in the exemplary embodiment the drive 558includes a spring biasing mechanism 568. The biasing mechanism acts onlower rolls 570 to assure proper tension is maintained in the beltflights 560.

Further in the exemplary embodiment the transport belts are housedwithin a housing which includes a pair of spaced back walls 572. Aslater discussed, back walls 572 serve as support surfaces for stacks ofdocuments that may be stored in a first section or location of thestorage area of the device. Similarly guide 564 includes a pair oftransversely disposed wall surfaces 574. Wall surfaces 574 providesupport for a stack of documents disposed in a second section orlocation of the storage area. Also as shown in FIG. 30, the verticaltransport 556 moves documents to adjacent a lower surface 576 whichbounds the interior of the storage area. Document sensing devices areprovided along the path of the vertical transport so that the drive 558can be stopped through operation of at least one processor once thedocument has reached the lower surface. This helps to assure thatdocuments are not damaged by movement in the drive. Of course theseapproaches are exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches maybe used.

In the exemplary embodiment when at least some documents are moved fromthe escrow area into the vertical transport, the device operates toprint indicia thereon. This may be indicia of various types as describedherein, as would be appropriate for the types of documents beingprocessed. In the exemplary embodiment printing on the documents iscarried out through operation of an inkjet printer 578. The inkjetprinter includes a removably mounted printhead that is adjacent todocuments as they are moved in the vertical transport portion of thesheet path. The inkjet printer includes nozzles which are operative toselectively expel ink therefrom toward the sheet path and shoot ink ontothe adjacent surface of the document. The nozzles of the inkjet printeroperate in accordance with the programming of a processor which isoperative to drive the inkjet printer to expel ink selectively therefromto produce various forms of characters on the documents as may bedesired. For example in an exemplary embodiment the printer may beoperative to print indica on checks so as to indicate transactioninformation and/or the cancellation of such checks. In the exemplaryembodiment the print head is releasibly mounted through moveable membersto enable ready installation and removal.

The exemplary embodiment further includes an ink catching mechanism 580which is alternatively referred to herein as an ink catcher. In theexemplary embodiment the ink catching mechanism is operative to captureink that may be discharged from the printhead at times when no documentis present. This may occur for example if a document is misaligned inthe transport or if the machine malfunctions so that it attemptsprinting when no document is present. Alternatively the inkjet printermay be operated responsive to at least one processor at times whendocuments are not present for purposes of conducting head cleaningactivities or other appropriate activities for assuring the reliabilityof the inkjet printer. Further the exemplary embodiment of the inkcatcher mechanism is operative to tend the printhead by wiping thenozzles so as to further facilitate reliable operation. Of course itshould be understood that the exemplary ink catcher shown and describedis only one of many ink catcher configurations that may be used.

An exemplary form of the ink catching mechanism is shown in FIGS. 22through 24. The ink catching mechanism includes an ink holding body 582with an ink holding area therein. Body 582 has thereon an annularprojecting portion 584. Projecting portion 584 has an opening 586therein. Opening 586 of the projecting portion is in fluid communicationwith the ink holding interior area of the main portion of the body. Ofcourse this body configuration is merely exemplary.

A head portion 588 is comprised of a body portion configured to extendin overlying relation of the projecting portion 584. Head portion 588 ofthe exemplary embodiment comprises a generally annular body member thatincludes a flattened area 590 which has an opening 592 therein. Headportion 588 also has in supporting connection therewith a resilientwiper member 594 extending radially outward therefrom in an areadisposed angularly away from the opening 592.

As shown in FIG. 24 the exemplary embodiment of body 582 is of agenerally clamshell construction and includes a lower portion 596 and anupper portion 598. The upper and lower portions fit together as shown toform the body, including the annular projecting portion. Also housedwithin the interior of the exemplary embodiment of the body is an inkabsorbing member 600. The ink absorbing member is operative to absorbink which passes into the interior of the body through opening 586. Thebody is releasibly mounted in the machine through a mounting portion 601which accepts suitable fasteners or other holding devices.

In the operative condition the head portion 588 extends in overlyinggenerally surrounding relation of the projecting portion 584. The headportion is enabled to be selectively rotated through operation of adrive 602 that is operatively connected therewith. A disk member 604 andsensor 606 are operative to sense at least one rotational position ofthe head portion 588.

In operation of the exemplary form of the device, the head portion 588is generally positioned as shown in FIG. 22 with the opening 592 of thehead portion in aligned relation with the opening 586 in the projectingportion of the body. The projecting portion extends within an interiorarea of the rotatable head portion. In this position ink expelled fromthe inkjet printhead which does not strike a document, passes into theinterior of the body through the aligned openings. Thus for example ifthe programming of the machine calls for the machine to periodicallyconduct a head cleaning operation in which the nozzles of the inkjetprinthead are fired, the ink can be transmitted through sheet path inthe area of the transport where documents are normally present and intothe body of the ink catcher mechanism. Thereafter or periodically inaccordance with the programming of the machine, a processor in operativeconnection with the drive is operative to cause the drive 602 to rotatethe head portion 588. Rotation of the head portion is operative to causethe flexible wiper member 594 to engage the print head and wipe over theopenings of the inkjet nozzles. This avoids the buildup of ink which canprevent the efficient operation of the inkjet printer. Once the wiperhas moved across the nozzles the head returns to the position so thatexcess ink is accepted within the body. This is done in the exemplaryembodiment by having the head portion rotate in a first rotationaldirection about a full rotation. In this way the head portion rotatesfrom the position where the openings in the head portion and projectingportion are aligned with the print head. The head portion is rotated sothe openings are no longer aligned and the flexible wiper member engagesthe print head and wipes across the nozzles thereof. The head portioncontinues to rotate until the openings are again aligned.

In the exemplary embodiment the drive operates responsive to the atleast one processor to rotate the head portion in the first rotationaldirection about 360 degrees and then stops. In other embodiments thedrive may reverse direction and/or operate the head portion to undergomultiple rotations. In other embodiments the movable member may includemultiple openings and wiper members and may move as appropriate based onthe configuration thereof. In other embodiments the movable member mayinclude multiple openings and wiper members and may move as appropriatebased on the configuration thereof.

In some embodiments the at least one processor may operate the printhead periodically to clean or test the print head, and may operate theink catcher to wipe the nozzles only after such cleaning or test. Insome alternative embodiments wiping action may be done after every printhead operation or after a set number of documents have been printedupon. Various approaches may be taken in various embodiments.

In exemplary embodiments suitable detectors are used to determine whenthe print head needs to be replaced. At least one processor in operativeconnection with the print head may operate to provide an indication whenthe print cartridge should be changed. Such an indication may be givenremotely in some embodiments, by the machine sending at least onemessage to a remote computer. In the exemplary embodiment a servicer mayreadily remove an existing print cartridge such as by moving one or morefasteners, tabs, clips or other members. A replacement cartridge maythen be installed, and secured in the machine by engaging it with theappropriate members. In the exemplary embodiment electrical contacts forthe print head are positioned so that when the cartridge is in theoperative position the necessary electrical connections for operatingthe print head are made. The new cartridge is installed with the printhead thereof positioned in aligned relation with the opening in the headportion of the ink catcher so that ink from the print head will passinto the ink catcher and be held therein if there is no document in thesheet path between the print head and the ink catcher at the time ink isexpelled therefrom.

In the exemplary embodiment after a new ink cartridge has beeninstalled, a servicer may test the operation of the printer. This isaccomplished by providing appropriate inputs to the machine. A servicermoves a sheet into the sheet path. This may be done in some casesmanually and in other cases by providing and moving a sheet in the sheetpath through one or more transports. One or more inputs from theservicer to input devices of the machine cause the processor to operatethe printer to expel ink from the print head toward the sheet path. Ifthe sheet is present ink impacts the sheet to print thereon. In somecases the processor operates the print head to print an appropriatepattern such as one that tests that all the nozzles are working. Inother embodiments other indicia may be printed. Of course if no sheet ispresent in the sheet path, the ink from the print head passes into thebody of the ink catcher through the opening in the head portion. Ofcourse this approach is exemplary, and in other embodiments otherapproaches and processes may be used.

In some embodiments after printing is conducted the machine may operateto wipe the nozzles of the print head. This may be done in response tothe programming associated with the processor and/or in response to anInput from a servicer. In such a situation the drive operates to rotatethe head portion 588 about the projecting portion 584 so that theflexible wiper member engages the print head. In the exemplaryembodiment the wiper member wipes across the print head as the headportion of the ink catcher makes about one rotation from its initialposition. The head portion rotates responsive to the drive until thehead portion is again sensed as having the opening therein aligned withthe print head. This is sensed by the sensor 606 sensing the rotationalposition of the disk member 604. In response to sensing that one headportion is in the position for capturing ink from the print head, theprocessor is operative to cause the drive to cease operation. Of coursethese approaches are exemplary and in other embodiments other approachesmay be used.

In an exemplary embodiment when the ink catching mechanism has becomefilled with ink it is possible to replace the body by disengaging one ormore fasteners that hold it in position and install a new one in theoperative position. Alternatively in some embodiments the body may beopened and the ink absorbing member 600 removed and replaced with a newmember.

In the exemplary embodiment the body is disengaged from the machine bydisengaging the one or more fasteners or other devices that hold themounting portion 601 to the adjacent housing structure of the documentaccepting device. Once this is done, the body 580 is moved so that theprojecting portion 584 no longer extends within the interior area of themovable head portion 588. Once this is done, the body can be discarded.Alternatively, the body may be opened, the ink absorbing member 600removed, a new ink absorbing member installed and the body again closed.

A new body or one with a new ink absorbing member is installed byextending the projection portion 584 thereof within the interior area ofthe head portion 588. The body is then fastened in place through themounting portion. In response to appropriate inputs to an input deviceof the machine from a servicer, the processor operates to cause thedrive 602 to rotate the head portion 588. The processor may operate inaccordance with its programming to rotate the head portion 588 only asnecessary to align the opening 592 with the print head. Alternativelythe processor may operate the drive to make one or more rotations beforestopping the rotation of the head portion. In some embodiments theprocessor may operate the printer to test its operation as previouslydiscussed, and may then rotate the head portion to wipe the nozzles ofthe print head. Of course these approaches are exemplary and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

Thus as can be appreciated the exemplary embodiment of the ink catchingmechanism provides an effective way for the printer to be operated so asto avoid the deposition of excess ink within the ATM as well as toenable the print nozzles to be maintained in a suitable operatingcondition so that printing may be reliably conducted.

In the exemplary embodiment documents such as checks are moved into thestorage area 430 through the vertical transport 556. Such documents areheld initially between the rails 562 of the guide 564 and the beltflights 560 of the vertical transport. In the exemplary embodiment suchdocuments may be selectively stored in one of two available sections(alternatively referred to herein as locations) of the storage area.These include a first storage location 608 positioned on a first side ofthe vertical transport and a second storage location 610 positioned onan opposed transverse side of the vertical transport. Selectivepositioning of documents into the storage locations is accomplishedthrough use of a movable plunger member 612 which operates responsive toone or more processors to disengage documents from the verticaltransport and move the documents into either the first storage locationor second storage location of the storage area.

FIGS. 31 through 35 show the operation of the exemplary plunger memberto move a document 614 into storage location 608. As shown in FIG. 32when the document 614 has moved downward into the storage area, theplunger 612 has been positioned to the right of the document as shown instorage location 610. In the exemplary embodiment movement of theplunger member is accomplished through use of a suitable drive andmovement mechanism such as a rack drive, worm drive, tape drive or othersuitable movement device. Such a drive is represented schematically bydrive 616 in FIG. 3.

Once the document has been moved to the proper position and the verticaltransport is stopped, the plunger 612 moves from the position shown inFIG. 32 to the left so as to engage the document. Such engagement withthe document deforms the contour of the document as shown and begins topull the document transversely away from engagement with the beltflights and the guide rails or other document moving structures. Aspring biased backing plate 618 which may have additional documents insupporting connection therewith, is moved by the action of the plungeras shown in FIGS. 33 and 34. Backing plate 618 is biased by a spring orother suitable device so that documents in supporting connection withthe backing plate are generally trapped between the backing plate andthe wall surfaces 574 of the guide.

As represented in FIGS. 34 and 35 as the plunger 612 moved furthertoward the storage location 608, the document disengages from the railsand belts so that the document is eventually held in supported relationwith the backing plate 618 by the plunger. Once the document 614 hasreached this position as shown in FIG. 35 the plunger may be moved againto the right as shown such that the document 614 is integrated into thedocument stack supported on backing plate 618. Further as the plunger612 returns toward its original position, the documents supported on thebacking plate are held in sandwiched relation between the wall surfaces574 of the guide and the backing plate. Thus the document 614 which wasmoved into the storage area has been selectively moved through operationof the plunger into the storage location 608.

FIGS. 36 through 40 show operation of the plunger member to store adocument in storage location 610. As shown in FIG. 37 a document 620 ismoved into the vertical transport and because this document is to bestored in storage location 610 the plunger member 612 is positionedresponsive to operation of the processor to the left of the document asshown. As shown in FIGS. 38 and 39 movement of the plunger member 612toward the right as shown disengages the document from the transport andbrings it into supporting connection with a spring loaded backing plate622. Backing plate 622 is biased by a spring or other suitable biasingmechanism toward the left as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40.

Movement of the plunger 612 to the extent shown in FIG. 40 causes thedocument 620 to be supported in a stack on the backing plate 622. Inthis position the plunger may be again moved to the left such that thedocuments in the stack in storage location 610 are held in sandwichedrelation between the back walls 572 of the vertical transport and thebacking plate.

As can be appreciated in the exemplary embodiment documents can beselectively stored in a storage location of the device by positioningand moving the plunger so that the document is stored in the storagelocation as desired. This enables documents to be segregated intovarious document types. For example in some embodiments the ATM may beoperated such that checks that are drawn on the particular institutionoperating the machine are stored in one storage location of the storagearea 430 while others that are not drawn on that institution are storedin the other storage location. Alternatively in some embodiments wherethe mechanism Is used to accept checks and currency bills, bills whichhave been validated may be stored in one storage location while billsthat have been determined to be counterfeit or suspect may be stored inanother storage section. In still further alternative embodiments wherethe device is operated to accept checks and bills, currency bills may bestored in one storage location while checks are stored in another. Ofcourse this approach is exemplary.

In alternative embodiments additional provisions may be made. Forexample in some embodiments one or more aligned vertical transports maybe capable of transporting documents through several vertically alignedstorage areas. In such situations a document may be moved to thevertical level associated with a storage area that is appropriate forthe storage of the document. Once at that level a plunger may movetransversely so as to place the document into the appropriate storagelocation on either side of the vertical transport. In this way numeroustypes of documents can be accepted and segregated within the ATM.

In still other alternative embodiments the storage mechanism may beintegrated with a document picker mechanism such as shown in U.S. Pat.No. 6,331,000 the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. Thusdocuments which have been stored such as currency bills may thereafterbe automatically removed through operation of the picker mechanism anddispensed to users of the ATM machine. Various approaches may be takenutilizing the principals of the described embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 2 exemplary storage area 440 is generally held in aclosed position such that the items stored therein are not accessibleeven to a servicer who has access to the interior of the ATM. This isaccomplished through use of a sliding door 624 which in the exemplaryembodiment is constructed of collapsible sections. The door is enabledto be moved such that access to documents stored in the storage area canbe accessed such as is shown in FIG. 28. In an exemplary embodiment theability to open door 624 is controlled by a lock 626. In the exemplaryembodiment lock 626 comprises a key lock such that authorized personsmay gain access to the interior of the storage area if they possess anappropriate key.

In some exemplary embodiments the deposit accepting device may bemounted in movable supporting connection with structures in the interiorof the housing of the banking machine. This may be done in the mannershown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,065 the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference. In some exemplary embodiments a servicer may accessthe interior of the banking machine housing by opening one or moreexternal doors. Such doors may require the opening of one or more locksbefore the interior of the housing may be accessed. With such a dooropen the servicer may move the deposit accepting device 420 whilesupported by the housing so that the storage area of the device extendsoutside the housing. This may make it easier in some embodiments toremove documents from the storage area.

In the exemplary embodiment persons authorized to remove documents fromthe storage area may open the lock and move the door 624 to an openposition so as to gain access to the interior of the storage area.Documents that have been positioned in the storage locations can beremoved by moving the backing plates 622 and 618 against the springbiasing force of the respective springs or other biasing mechanisms 617,619, that holds the stacks of stored documents in sandwiched relation.Manually engageable tabs 628 and 630 are provided in the exemplaryembodiment so as to facilitate the servicer's ability to move thebacking plates against the respective biasing force. With the respectivebacking plate moved horizontally away from the vertical transport, thestack of documents between the backing plate and vertical transport canbe removed. Each backing plate can be moved to remove document stacks oneach horizontal side of the vertical transport. Once the storeddocuments have been removed, the backing plates can return automaticallyto the appropriate position to accept more documents due to the biasingforce. Likewise the door 624 can be dosed and the lock returned to thelocked position. If the deposit accepting device is movably mounted sothat the storage area is outside the machine, it can be moved back intothe interior of the housing. The housing can then be secured by closingthe doors and locks thereon. This construction of the exemplaryembodiment not only facilitates the removal of checks, currency or otherdocuments, but is also helpful in clearing any jams that may occurwithin the vertical transport.

The exemplary embodiment also provides advantages in terms of clearingjams within the document alignment, analysis and/or escrow areas. Forexample as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the device may be opened such thatthe entire transport path for documents up to the point of the verticaltransport may be readily accessed. As a result in the event that thedocument should become jammed therein, a servicer may unlatch a latchwhich holds a platen in position such as for example latch 632 shown inFIG. 1 and move the platen 448 rotationally and the components supportedthereon to the position shown so as to enable exposing the documentalignment area and document analysis area. As can be appreciated platen448 is mounted through hinges which enable the platen to rotate about anaxis through the hinges so as to facilitate the opening thereof.Likewise the portions of the platen 449 supporting the mechanismsoverlying the escrow area can be opened as shown to expose that area ofthe document transport path so as to facilitate accessing documentstherein. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, platen 449 is rotatable about anaxis that extends generally perpendicular to the axis about which platen448 is rotatable. Further in the exemplary embodiment, platens 448 and449 are configured so that platen 448 must be moved to the open positionbefore platen 449 can be opened. Likewise platen 449 must be closedbefore platen 448 is closed. This exemplary construction enables the useof a single latch to secure the platens in the operative positions, andto enable unsecuring the single latch so that the platens can both bemoved to expose the document alignment, document analysis and escrowareas of the document transport path in the device. Of course, thisapproach is exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may beused.

In servicing the exemplary embodiment of the deposit accepting device420 which for purposes of this service discussion will be described withregard to checks, a servicer generally begins by opening a door or otheraccess mechanism such as a fascia or panel that enables gaining accessto an interior area of the housing of the ATM. In an exemplaryembodiment the check accepting device 420 is supported on slides, andafter unlatching a mechanism that normally holds the device in operativeposition, the device can be moved, while supported by the housing toextend outside the ATM. Of course in some situations and depending onthe type of service to be performed, it may not be necessary to extendthe device outside the ATM housing. Alternatively in some situations aservicer may extend the device outside the housing and then remove thedevice from supporting connection with the ATM housing completely. Thismay be done for example, when the entire device is to be replaced with adifferent device.

The servicer may disengage the latch 632 and rotate platen 448 about theaxis of its hinges. This exposes the areas of the transport path throughthe device in the document alignment area 424 and document analysis area426. It should be noted that when the platen 448 is moved to the openposition the toothed contoured edges 456,458 shown in FIG. 4, are movedapart.

With the platen 448 moved to expose the document alignment and documentanalysis areas, any checks which have become caught or jammed thereincan be removed by the servicer. The servicer can also conduct otheractivities such as cleaning the scanning sensors or the magnetic readhead. Such cleaning may be done using suitable solvents, swabs or othermaterials. The servicer may also clean, align, repair or replace otheritems in the exposed areas of the transport path.

With platen 448 in the open position a servicer may also move platen 449from the closed position to the open position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.Rotating platen 449 about the axis of its supports to the open position,exposes the escrow area 428 of the transport path. A servicer may thenclear any jammed documents from the escrow area. The servicer may alsoclean, align, repair or replace other components that are exposed orotherwise accessible in the escrow area.

Upon completion of service the platen 449 is rotated to the closedposition. Thereafter the platen 448 is rotated to the closed position.This brings the contoured edges 456, 458 back into adjacent alignment.With platen 448 in the closed position the latch 632 is secured to holdboth platens in the closed positions, the check accepting device canthen be moved back into the operating position and secured therein. Theservicer when done, will then close the door or other device to closethe interior of the ATM housing. Of course these approaches areexemplary.

Upon closing the housing the ATM may be returned to service. This mayinclude passing a test document through the transport path through thedeposit accepting device 420 and/or reading indicia of various typesfrom one or more test documents. It may also include operating themachine to image the document that was jammed in the device to capturethe data therefrom so that the transaction that caused the ATMmalfunction can be settled by the system. Of course it should beunderstood that these approaches are exemplary and in other embodimentsother approaches may be used.

FIG. 41 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of an automatedbanking machine 640. Banking machine 640 includes a housing 642. Housing642 of the machine includes a chest portion 644 and an upper housingportion 646. Chest portion 644 provides a secure storage area in aninterior portion thereof. The interior of the chest portion may be usedfor example to store valuable sheets such as currency notes, travelerschecks, scrip, checks, tickets or other valuable sheets that have beenreceived by and/or that are to be dispensed from the machine. The chestportion includes a suitable chest door and lock for providing authorizedaccess thereto. The upper housing portion 646 of the exemplaryembodiment also includes suitable access doors or other mechanisms toenable authorized persons to obtain access to items therein. Examples ofchest portions are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,830 and U.S. ApplicationNo. 60/519,079, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

The exemplary automated banking machine 640 includes output devicesincluding a display 648. Other output devices may include for examplespeakers, touchpads, touchscreens or other items that can provide userreceivable outputs. The outputs may include outputs of various typesincluding for example, instructions related to operation of the machine.The exemplary automated banking machine further includes input devices.These may include for example a card reader 650. The card reader may beoperative to read indicia included on cards that are associated with auser and/or a user's account. Card readers may be operative to readindicia for example, indicia encoded on a magnetic stripe, data storedin an electronic memory on the card, radiation transmitted from an itemon the card such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip orother suitable indicia. User cards represent one of a plurality of typesof data bearing records that may be used in connection with activatingthe operation of exemplary machines. In other embodiments other types ofdata bearing records such as cards, tokens, tags, sheets or other typesof devices that include data that is readable therefrom, may be used.

In exemplary embodiments data is read from a card through operation of acard reader. The card reader may include features such as thosedisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,118,031 the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference. The exemplary automated bankingmachine is operative responsive to at least one processor in the machineto use data read from the card to activate or allow operation of themachine by authorized users so as to enable such users to carry out atleast one transaction. For example the machine may operate to cause dataread from the card and/or data resolved from card data and other inputsor data from the machine, to be compared to data corresponding toauthorized users. This may be done for example by comparing dataincluding data read from the card to data stored in or resolved fromdata stored in at least one data store in the machine. Alternatively orin addition, the automated banking machine may operate to send one ormore messages including data read from the card or data resolvedtherefrom, to a remote computer. The remote computer may operate tocause the data received from the machine to be compared to datacorresponding to authorized users based on data stored in connectionwith one or more remote computers. In response to the positivedetermination that the user presenting the card is an authorized user,one or more messages may be sent from the remote computer to theautomated banking machine so as to enable operation of features thereof.This may be accomplished in some exemplary embodiments through featuressuch as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,284,695 and/or 7,266,526 thedisclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Ofcourse these approaches are exemplary and in other embodiments otherapproaches may be used.

The exemplary automated banking machine further includes a keypad 652.Keypad 652 provides a user input device which includes a plurality ofkeys that are selectively actuatable by a user. Keypad 652 may be usedin exemplary embodiments to enable a user to provide a personalidentification number (PIN). The PIN data may be used to identifyauthorized users of the machine in conjunction with data read from cardsso as to assure that machine operation is only carried out forauthorized users. Of course the input devices discussed herein areexemplary of numerous types of input devices that may be used inconnection with automated banking machines.

The exemplary automated banking machine further Includes othertransaction function devices. These may include for example, a printer654. In the exemplary embodiment printer 654 is operative to printreceipts for transactions conducted by users of the machine. Otherembodiments of automated banking machines may include other types ofprinting devices such as those suitable for printing statements, ticketsor other types of documents. The exemplary automated banking machinefurther includes a plurality of other devices. These may include forexample, a sheet dispensing device 656. Such a device may be operativeto serve as part of a cash dispenser device which selectively dispensessheets such as currency notes from storage. It should be understood thatfor purposes of this disclosure, a cash dispenser device, is one or moredevices that can operate to cause currency stored in the machine to bedispensed from the machine. Other devices may include a recycling device658. The recycling device may be operative to receive sheets into astorage location and then to selectively dispense sheets therefrom. Therecycling device may be of a type shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,302,393 and6,131,809, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference. It should be understood that a recycling device may operateto recycle currency notes and may in some embodiments, a cash dispensermay include the recycler device. Further the exemplary embodiment mayinclude sheet storage devices 660 of the type previously describedherein which are operative to selectively store sheets in compartments.

The exemplary ATM 640 includes a deposit accepting device 662 which isdescribed in greater detail hereafter. The deposit accepting device ofan exemplary embodiment is operative to receive and analyze sheetsreceived from a machine user. The exemplary deposit accepting device isalso operative to deliver sheets from the machine to machine users. Itshould be understood that in other embodiments additional or differentdeposit accepting devices may be used. For example, a recycling deviceas well as a note acceptor that receives currency notes are also depositaccepting devices. Further for purposes of this disclosure a depositaccepting device may alternatively be referred to as a sheet processingdevice.

The exemplary automated banking machine 640 further Includes at leastone processor schematically indicated 664. The at least one processor isin operative connection with at least one data store schematicallyindicated 666. The processor and data store are operative to executeinstructions which control and cause the operation of the automatedbanking machine. It should be understood that although one processor anddata store are shown, embodiments of automated banking machines mayinclude a plurality of processors and data stores which operate tocontrol and cause operation of the devices of the machine.

The at least one processor 664 is shown in operative connection withnumerous transaction function devices schematically indicated 668.Transaction function devices include devices in the machine that the atleast one processor is operative to cause to operate. These may includedevices of the type previously discussed such as the card reader,printer, keypad, deposit accepting device, sheet dispenser, recycler andother devices in or that are a part of the machine.

In the exemplary embodiment the at least one processor is also inoperative connection with at least one communication device 670. The atleast one communication device is operative to enable the automatedbanking machine to communicate with one or more remote servers 672, 674through at least one network 676. It should be understood that the atleast one communication device 670 may include various types of networkinterfaces suitable for communication through one or more types ofpublic and/or private networks so as to enable the automated bankingmachine to communicate with a server and to enable ATM users to carryout transactions. Of course it should be understood that this automatedbanking machine is exemplary and that automated banking machines mayhave numerous other types of configurations and capabilities.

FIG. 42 shows in greater detail the exemplary deposit accepting device662. The exemplary deposit accepting device is in operative connectionwith a sheet opening 678 that extends through the housing of themachine. In the exemplary embodiment the sheet opening is configured toenable the sheets to be provided thereto into the machine from users, aswell as to deliver sheets from the machine to users. Access through thesheet opening is controlled in the exemplary embodiment by a movablegate 680. Gate 680 is selectively moved between the opened and closedpositions by a drive 682. The drive 682 selectively opens and closes thegate responsive to operation of the at least one processor 664.Therefore in operation of the exemplary automated banking machine thegate is moved to the open position at appropriate times duringtransactions such as when sheets are to be received into the machinefrom users and when sheets are to be delivered from the machine tousers.

The exemplary device further includes a sheet access area generallyindicated 684. The exemplary sheet access area is an area in whichsheets are received in as well as delivered from the machine. Theexemplary sheet access area includes a first sheet driver member 686.The exemplary sheet driver member 686 includes a belt flight of acontinuous belt that is selectively driven by a drive (not separatelyshown). The drive operates responsive to operation of the at least oneprocessor. The sheet access area is further bounded upwardly by a sheetdriver member 688 which in the exemplary embodiment also comprises abelt flight of a continuous belt. In the exemplary embodiment the lowerbelt flight which comprises the sheet driver member 688 is verticallymovable relative to the upper belt flight which comprises sheet drivermember 686 such that a distance between them may be selectively varied.It should be understood however that although the exemplary embodimentuses belt flights as the sheet driver members, in other embodimentsrollers, tracks, compressed air jets or other devices suitable forengaging and moving sheets may be used. In the exemplary embodiment asingle upper belt flight and lower belt flight are used to move sheetsin the sheet access area. However, it should be understood that in otherembodiments other numbers and configurations of sheet driving membersmay be used.

The exemplary sheet access area includes a divider plate 690. Theexemplary divider plate comprises a pair of divider plate portions withan opening thereinbetween. The opening extends parallel to the beltflights and enables the belt flights to engage sheets therethrough. Ofcourse this approach is exemplary. The exemplary divider plate dividesthe sheet access area into a first side 692 which is below the plate inthe exemplary embodiment, and a second side 694 which is above thedivider plate. It should be understood that although in the exemplaryembodiment only one split divider plate is used, in other embodiments aplurality of divider plates may be employed so as to divide an area intomultiple subcompartments.

In the exemplary embodiment the divider plate 690 and upper sheetdriving member 688 are selectively relatively movable vertically withrespect to the lower sheet driving member 686. This is done in a mannerlater explained so as to selectively enable the sheet driving members toengage and move sheets in either the first side or the second side. Thisis done through operation of drives schematically indicated 696. Suchdrives can include suitable motor, levers, solenoids, lead screws andother suitable structures to impart the movement described herein. Thedrives operate responsive to instructions executed by the at least oneprocessor. It should further be understood that although in theexemplary embodiment the lower sheet driving member is generally infixed vertical position relative to the housing, in other embodimentsthe lower sheet driving member may be movable and other components maybe fixed.

In the exemplary embodiment the sheet access area further includes amovable stop 698. The stop is operative to extend at appropriate timesto limit the inward insertion of documents into the sheet access area bya user. The stop operates to generally positively position insertedsheets that are going to be received and processed by the depositaccepting device. The stop is selectively movable by at least one drive(not separately shown) which moves the stop in response to operation ofthe at least one processor. The inner ends of sheet driver members 686and 688 bound an opening 699 through which sheets can move eitherinwardly or outwardly in the deposit accepting device 662.

The exemplary sheet access area is operatively connected to a picker700. The picker is operative to separate individual sheets from a stackin the sheet access area. In the exemplary embodiment the picker mayoperate in a manner like that described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,634,636;6,874,682; and/or 7,261,236 the disclosures of which are incorporatedherein by reference. The picker operates generally to separate eachsheet from the inserted stack of sheets. At least one sensor 702operates in the exemplary embodiment to sense thickness and enable atleast one processor to determine if the picker has failed to properlyseparate each individual sheet. In response to sensing of a double orother multiple sheet in the area beyond the picker, the at least oneprocessor operates in accordance with its programming to reverse thepicking function so as to return the sensed multiple sheets to thestack. Thereafter the picker may attempt to pick a single sheet and maymake repeated attempts until a single sheet is successfully picked.Further as later explained, in the exemplary embodiment the picker isoperative to pick sheets that may be located in either the first side692 or the second side 694 of the divider plate in the sheet accessarea.

In the exemplary embodiment the picker 700 is operative to deliverindividual sheets that have been separated from the stack to a sheetpath indicated 704. Sheets are moved in the sheet path through operationof a transport 706 which engages the sheets. It should be understoodthat although a single transport of a belt type is shown, in otherembodiments other numbers and types of transports may be employed formoving sheets.

In the exemplary embodiment the area of the sheet path includes adocument alignment area which may operate in the manner similar to thatpreviously described or in other suitable ways, to align sheets relativeto the direction that sheets are moved along the transport path. Forexample in the exemplary embodiment the transverse transport includestransverse transport rolls 710 that operate in a manner like thatpreviously discussed to engage a sheet and move it into alignment withthe transport path by sensing an edge of the sheet with a plurality ofspaced sensors which form a “virtual wall.” The transverse movement ofthe sheet by the transverse transport is operative to align the sheetrelative to the movement of sheets along sheet path in the device. Asdiscussed in more detail below, in this exemplary embodiment thealignment area includes devices operative to align the sheet as well asto determine a width dimension associated with the sheet so as tofacilitate the analysis of magnetic indicia thereon.

In some embodiments it may be desirable to use sheet transports thatmove sheets in sandwiched relation between a driving member such as aroll or belt flight, and a follower member that extends on an opposedside of the sheet from the driving member. The follower member may beoperative to assure engagement of the sheet with the driving member toassure sheet movement therewith. In some embodiments movable rolls orbelts may operate as suitable follower members. However, in someembodiments it may be desirable to use stationary resilient members asbiasing members. This may include, for example, a resilient member witha low friction sheet engaging surface to facilitate sheet movementthereon. For example such a suitable member may comprise a compressibleresilient foam body with a low friction plastic cover. Such a foammember can be used to provide biasing force to achieve sheet engagementwith a driving member. In still other embodiments the foam body may beoperatively supported on a further resilient member, such a leaf springwhich can provide a further biasing force. Such a structure for afollower member may be useful in sheet transports in providing moreuniform force distribution on moving sheets to minimize the risk ofsheet damage. Further such a sheet follower structure may be useful inproviding the follower function for one or more transports that movesheets in multiple directions, at least some of which are transverse toone another in a particular sheet transport area. As a result suchfollower structures may be used in the area in which sheets are aligned.Of course this approach is exemplary.

In the exemplary embodiment the transport 706 is operative to movesheets to engage a further transport schematically indicated 712. Thetransport is also operative to move sheets past magnetic indicia readingdevices 714, 716 which are alternatively referred to herein as magneticread heads. The exemplary embodiment further includes analysis devicesfor analyzing documents. These include for example, an imager 718.Imager 718 may be of the type previously discussed that is operative togenerate data corresponding to the visual image of each side of thesheet. Further in the exemplary embodiment an analysis device includes acurrency validator 720 is used to analyze properties of notes. Forexample in some embodiments currency validators employing the principlesdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,923,413 which is incorporated herein byreference may be used for purposes of determining whether sheets haveone or more properties associated with valid notes. The at least oneprocessor may be operative to determine whether notes received arelikely valid, invalid and/or of suspect authenticity. Other devices maybe included which sense for other properties or data which can be usedto analyze sheets for properties that are associated with authenticity.Based on determining whether sheets have at least one property, theexemplary automated banking machine is operative to store, return orotherwise process notes in a manner that is later described. Of courseit should be understood that some of the principles may be used by theat least one processor to make a determination if at least one propertyassociated with checks analyzed through devices in the machine, have oneor more properties that suggest that they are valid or invalid checks.Similarly analysis devices in a machine may be used to assess validityof other types of sheets.

In the exemplary embodiment the deposit accepting device includes asheet storage and retrieval device 722. In the exemplary embodiment thesheet storage and retrieval device includes a belt recycler. The beltrecycler may be of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,010 thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The sheetstorage and retrieval device is selectively operative to store sheetsthat are directed thereto from the transport 712 by a diverter 724. Thediverter is selectively operated responsive to a drive which movesresponsive to instructions from the at least one processor to causesheets to be directed for storage in the sheet storage and retrievaldevice 722.

In the exemplary embodiment the sheet accepting device further includesa sheet storage and retrieval device 726. The sheet storage andretrieval device 726 of the exemplary embodiment may be similar todevice 722. Sheets are directed to the sheet storage and retrievaldevice 726 from the transport 712 through selective operation of adiverter 728. It should be understood that although in the exemplaryembodiment the sheet storage and retrieval devices include beltrecyclers, other forms of devices tat are operative to accept anddeliver sheets may be used.

In exemplary embodiments the transports 712 and 706 are selectivelyoperated responsive to respective drives. The drives operate responsiveto operation of the at least one processor to move sheets therein. Thetransports of the exemplary embodiment are operative to move sheets bothaway from and toward the sheet access area. Further in the exemplaryembodiment a diverter 730 is positioned adjacent to the sheet accessarea. The diverter 730 operates in the manner later described to directsheets moving toward the sheet access area onto the second side of thediverter plate. Of course this approach is exemplary.

Further in the exemplary embodiment the automated banking machineincludes a plurality of transports as shown, which enable sheets to beselectively moved to and from the storage area 660, the sheet dispenserdevice 656, the recycling device 658 and other devices or areas, to orfrom which sheets may be delivered and/or received. Further in theexemplary embodiment appropriate gates, diverters and/or other devicesmay be positioned adjacent to the transports so as to selectivelycontrol the movement of sheets as desired within the machine. It shouldbe understood that the configuration shown is exemplary and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

FIG. 43 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of a documentalignment area 708. The document alignment area includes a platen 732.The platen includes a plurality of document alignment sensors 734. Thedocument alignment sensors 734 are similar to alignment sensors 474previously discussed. As with the prior embodiment three documentalignment sensors extend in spaced relation along the direction of sheetmovement in the transport path. A plurality of rollers 736 operate in amanner similar to rollers 444 and are operative to move the sheet in thedirection of the transport path. A transverse transport that isoperative to move sheets in a direction generally perpendicular to thetransport path includes transverse follower rolls 738. As in the casewith the prior described embodiment, the transverse transport includestransverse rolls on an opposed side of the transport from the platen732. As in the previously described embodiment the rollers 736 generallyengage a sheet between the rollers and other driving members such as abelt. To align the sheet, the rollers 736 move away from the sheet andthe transverse follower rolls 738 that were previously disposed awayfrom the sheet move toward the sheet to engage the sheet in sandwichedrelation between the transverse transport roll and a correspondingfollower roll. The sheet is moved transversely until it is aligned withthe direction of movement of sheets in the transport path based on thedocument alignment sensors 734. This is done in a manner like thatpreviously discussed. The transverse transport rollers are then moved todisengage the sheet while the rollers 736 move to engage the sheet sothat it now can be moved in its aligned condition in the transport path.Of course instead of rollers other types of sheet moving members may beused.

The exemplary deposit accepting device includes magnetic read heads 714and 716. Magnetic read heads 714 may be mounted in a manner like thatpreviously discussed. In the exemplary embodiment, magnetic read head714 is in a fixed transverse position relative to the sheet path.Magnetic read head 714 is generally positioned in the exemplaryembodiment relative to the sheet path so that a check that has beenaligned in the document alignment area will generally have the micr lineindicia on the check pass adjacent to the magnetic read head 714. Thisis true for two of the four possible facing positions of a check as itpasses through the device. This is represented by the exemplary checksegments 740 and 742 shown in FIG. 44.

Magnetic read head 716 is mounted in operatively supported connectionwith a mount 744. Mount 744 is movable transversely to the sheet path asrepresented by arrow M in FIG. 45. The position of read head 716transversely relative to the sheet path is changeable through operationof a positioning device 746. The positioning device may include anynumber of movement devices such as a motor, solenoid, cylinder, shapememory alloy element or other suitable element that is operative toselectively position read head 716 relative to the sheet path.

As can be appreciated from FIG. 44, read head 716 may be selectivelypositioned transversely so that when a check is in the two orientationswhere the micr line data would not pass adjacent to read head 714, suchmicr line indicia would pass adjacent to read head 716. This isrepresented by exemplary check segments 748 and 750 in FIG. 44.

In the exemplary embodiment the document alignment area includes a widthsensor 752. Width sensor 752 may include in some embodiments a pluralityof aligned sensors, a linear array charge couple device (CCD) sensors orother sensor or groups of sensors that are operative to sense at leastone dimension or property which corresponds to a width associated with acheck. In the exemplary embodiment this is done once the check has beenaligned with the transport path and the document alignment sensors 734.This capability of determining using signals from the sensor 752, thewidth of the aligned document enables at least one processor in themachine to cause the positioning device 746 to move the read head 716 tothe appropriate transverse position for reading the micr line indicia onthe check in the event that the check is in one of the two positionswherein the micr indicia is disposed on the opposite of the check fromread head 714.

The at least one processor has associated programming in at least onedata store that enables determination of the proper position for theread head 716 because check printing standards specify the location ofthe micr line indicia relative to a longitudinal edge of the check. As aresult for a given check that has been aligned in the document alignmentarea, the at least one processor is operative to determine a widthassociated with the check responsive to signals from sensor 752. Thewidth signals thereafter enable the processor to cause the read head 716to be positioned in an appropriate transverse position for reading themicr data if the check is in two of the four possible checkorientations.

It should be noted that as represented in FIG. 44 the read heads areoperative to read the micr indicia regardless of whether the indicia ison the check immediately adjacent to the read head or on an opposed sideof the check from the read head. This is because the magnetic characterswhich comprise the micr indicia can be sensed through the paper. Furtherin the exemplary embodiment the magnetic read heads are positioned in acurved area of the transport path. This generally helps to assure in theexemplary embodiment that the check is in contact or at least very closeproximity with the read head. Further the exemplary embodiment of themount 744 includes a plurality of vanes 754. Vanes 754 are curved andare operative to help guide the sheet through the area of the magneticread heads without snagging. In an exemplary embodiment the vanes 754are operative to reduce surface tension so as to facilitate movement ofsheets thereon. Of course it should be understood that these structuresare exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In exemplary embodiments each of the read heads is a part of magneticsensor circuitry that is operative to determine magnetic indiciaincluded on checks. Such magnetic indicia generally includes micr linedata. The micr line data is generally usable to identify the check aswell as the account on which the check is drawn. Such magnetic sensingcircuitry may be of the type described in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/371,330 filed Mar. 8, 2006, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference. Of course it should be understood thatthis magnetic sensing circuitry is exemplary and in other embodimentsother forms of sensing circuitry may be used. Alternatively or inaddition magnetic sensing circuitry may be operative to sense and readother forms of magnetic indicia other than or in addition to micr linecharacters. Further other embodiments may be operative to read magneticindicia on types of documents other than checks. This may include forexample magnetic indicia included on currency bills, money orders,vouchers, gaming materials or other types of documents.

In some exemplary embodiments the automated banking machine is operativeto sense the operability of the magnetic sensing circuitry whichincludes the magnetic read heads. This is done by operating a sourcethat serves as an emitter of electromagnetic radiation within themachine and determining the capability of the magnetic sensing circuitryto sense radiation from this source. In exemplary embodiments thissource may include an electric motor or other device that can beselectively operated in the machine. In some exemplary embodiments theelectric motor may be associated with a transaction function device suchas a sheet transport that can be operated during transactions to movesheets within the machine. Alternatively in some embodiments theelectromagnetic radiation source may include an actuator or other typeof device that produces radiation that can be picked up by the magneticsensing circuitry which also normally operates in the machine to readmagnetic indicia in checks and/or other documents.

FIGS. 70 through 74 schematically represent the logic flow associatedwith computer executable instructions that can be carried out by atleast one processor in an automated banking machine. This logic flow isoperative to determine whether the magnetic sensing circuitry in themachine has experienced a malfunction or other condition that suggeststhat check reading transactions should no longer be carried out.Likewise such logic flow may also be operative to determine conditionswhich necessitate servicing of the machine by a service provider. Inaccordance with the logic represented, the at least one processoroperates to cause the machine to provide such a notification to a remotecomputer that may be associated with a third party servicer. Of coursethis approach is exemplary.

Referring to FIG. 70 the exemplary logic begins with a step 810 in whichthe at least one processor operates in accordance with associatedprogrammed instructions to initiate a setup routine. In exemplaryembodiments a setup routine is operative when an ATM is first placedinto service or at other times when initial settings are to be gatheredfor purposes of evaluating whether the machine has undergone a change inconditions that may represent a malfunction. Such times may include forexample, when the machine has been taken out of service for purposes ofconducting maintenance or other activities that are Intended to ensurethat the machine is operating properly. Of course these are merelyexamples of when such a setup routine may be Implemented.

In an exemplary embodiment at least one processor of the automatedbanking machine has associated programming that enables decoding themicr line data regardless of the facing position of the check as it ismoved past the magnetic read heads. As can be appreciated depending onthe facing position of the check the micr data may be moving in any ofthe forward direction or the backward direction and right side up orupside down as it passes in proximity to the one adjacent magnetic readhead. Signals are generated by the magnetic read head responsive to themagnetic indicia which makes up the micr line data. The programming ofthe at least one processor is operative to receive and record thesesignals, and to determine the micr line characters that correspondthereto. In the exemplary embodiment this includes comparing the datafor at least some of the characters that correspond to the micr line, todata corresponding to one or more micr line characters so that it can bedetermined the orientation in which the micr line data has been read.The at least one processor may operate in accordance with itsprogramming to conduct pattern matching of the sensed signals to signalscorresponding to known micr characters to determine the probable micrcharacters to which the signals correspond. This may be done for one ormultiple characters to determine a probable orientation of the checkdata. This probable orientation may then be checked by comparing thedata as read from the magnetic read head, to other data whichcorresponds to the micr data initially determined orientation. If theorientation corresponds to an appropriate micr line character then itprobable that the orientation has been properly determined. If howeverthe sensed data does not correspond appropriately to characters in theinitially determined orientation, then it is probable that theorientation determined is incorrect. In some embodiments the at leastone processor may operate to compare signals corresponding to themagnetic indicia read from the check to data corresponding to micr linecharacters in multiple possible orientations. The results may then becompared to determine the number of unidentifiable characters in each ofthe orientations. Generally in at least one orientation whichcorresponds to the actual orientation of the check, the at least oneprocessor will determine that all of the characters correspond toidentifiable micr line characters.

In still other embodiments character recognition analysis softwareroutines may be operative to identify micr line characters in each ofthe possible orientations which a degree of confidence. This degree ofconfidence would hopefully be much higher for one particular orientationwhich then indicates the facing position of the check as well as themicr line characters to which the data corresponds. In still otheralternative embodiments other approaches may be used to determine thefacing position of the check. This may include for example analysis ofoptical features to determine that the check is in a particularorientation. The Information on a facing position as determined fromoptical features may then be used to analyze or, as a factor in theanalysis, of the magnetic indicia on the check as carried out by atleast one processor.

In still other embodiments character recognition analysis may be carriedout using the principles described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/378,043 filed Feb. 10, 2009 the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference. Alternatively or in addition character recognitionanalysis may be facilitated through the use of image sensors such asthose later described herein that are operative to determine sheetmovement in a sheet path. For example in some embodiments image sensorsare operative to determine movement of a sheet through the processing ofdata corresponding to a plurality of images of a sheet sensed by theimage sensor. As a result data corresponding to the displacement ofsheet may be processed in coordination with concurrently sensed magneticsignals to facilitate the identification of micr characters or othermagnetic indicia on a check or other sheet. For example computerexecutable instructions stored in association with at least oneprocessor may be operated to identify magnetic characters by analyzingchanges in magnetic signals from a read head or other magnetic sensorthat occur with relative displacement of a sheet. The use of such animage sensor to determine the sheet displacement that causes magneticsignal changes can be used to facilitate magnetic character recognition.Such analysis can be used to avoid complications that might occur insituations where the movement of the sheet is not continuous or is notat a relatively uniform velocity as the magnetic characters passadjacent to the read head. Alternatively or in addition, otherembodiments may operate to use an image sensor to determine the thencurrent velocity of a sheet moving in a transport path. By determiningthe then current speed of the sheet, the at least one processor is ableto more precisely match the magnetic signal data with stored characterdata and thereby identify the magnetic characters. This may beaccomplished for example by the at least one processor operating inaccordance with its program instructions to produce modified read headdata that corresponds to the actual signal data sensed, but that isconditioned so as to correspond to such signals being received at apredetermined reference speed for movement of the document. Thisreference speed may correspond to the stored data for known charactersthat is stored in at least one data store. Thus by conditioning thesignals received from the one or more magnetic read heads, the at leastone processor is able to more readily compare and match the receiveddata and the stored data, and thereby identify the characters on asheet. Alternatively or in addition in other embodiments the at leastone processor may operate to modify the stored data so as to moreclosely match the sensing conditions such as speed of the sheet when thesignals are captured. Of course these approaches are exemplary and inother embodiments other approaches may be used.

Of course it should be understood that while the discussion of theexemplary embodiment has included a discussion of micr line dataassociated with a check, in other embodiments other types of magneticindicia may be analyzed and used. Further it should be understood thatchecks and other items which include magnetic indicia thereon serve ascoded records on which magnetic data is encoded. Alternative approachesmay also be used in other embodiments for reading of magnetic recodedindicia on such records, and the magnetic read heads described inconnection with this particular embodiment are exemplary. Further itshould be understood that while the coded records in the form of checkshave the micr line data offset from the center line of the record andgenerally in a defined location relative to one or more edges of thedocument, other embodiments may operate to have magnetic indicia inother locations. Further some exemplary embodiments may also includeprovisions for sensing magnetic indicia on records in various locationsand determining the nature of such indicia in various locations based onsignals produced from sensing the record. Of course these approaches areexemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment when the at least one processor executes thesetup routine the at least one processor is operative to cause aninitial value corresponding to radiation sensed by the magnetic sensingcircuitry to be stored. This is represented by a step 812 in which theat least one processor operates to cause at least one value associatedwith at least one property of electromagnetic radiation value currentlybeing sensed through operation of the magnetic sensing circuitry, to berecorded. In some embodiments this may be various types of values suchas an instantaneous value, an average value over a period of time, aweighted value, an average value of radiation sensed by multiple readingheads or another one or more values that are sensed through operation ofthe magnetic sensing circuitry. These one or more initial values arecaptured at a time when the electromagnetic radiation source in themachine is in a condition in which it is not operating to generateradiation. The at least one processor operates to store in at least onedata store the at least one value corresponding to the level ofelectromagnetic radiation sensed by the magnetic sensing circuitry inthis condition. This is represented by step 814. These one or moreinitial values are stored in at least one data store through operationof the at least one processor executing suitable program steps thatstore such value.

After the initial one or more values is stored, the at least oneprocessor is operative to cause the electromagnetic radiation source tooperate. This is represented in a step 816. In the exemplary embodimentthe electromagnetic radiation source includes an electric motor withinthe machine. This electric motor in some exemplary embodiments may beoperative to drive a sheet transport in the machine. During thecondition represented in step 816 the at least one processor isoperative to cause the motor to operate at a time when no transactionsare being performed and sheets are not moved as a consequence of theoperation of the motor. Of course this approach is exemplary.

The at least one processor is operative during at least a portion of thetime when the motor is caused to operate to sense through operation ofthe magnetic sensing circuitry, at least one level of radiation from thesource that is sensed. This is represented in FIG. 70 by a step 818. Thelevel of radiation sensed from the radiation source can correspond to anintensity of the radiation that is detected through operation of themagnetic read head which is part of the magnetic sensing circuitry. Theamplification and signal conditioning elements of such circuitry in theexemplary embodiment are operative to enable the electromagneticradiation generated by operation of the motor to be detected. Thisenables the electromagnetic radiation from the source to be used toverify the proper operation of the circuitry. As can be appreciated, thesensed radiation signals in other embodiments may be one of severaldifferent types and may include for example instantaneous values,averages over time, sample values, average values between multiple readheads, or other values that are useful in producing data that isrepresentative of at least one level of at least one property ofradiation that can be sensed through a magnetic read head and theassociated circuitry from the electromagnetic radiation source.

The at least one processor is operative in a step 820 to store one ormore values in a data store corresponding to the radiation sensed instep 818. In the exemplary embodiment these stored values correspond tothe initial values of radiation that are sensed from the electromagneticradiation source and serve as a baseline for determining changes thatare indicative of a malfunction or other undesirable conditions.

In the exemplary embodiment once the initial values have been stored,the operation of the electromagnetic radiation source is stopped. Thisis represented in a step 822. Step 822 completes the initializationprocess in the exemplary embodiment. Of course in other embodimentsother approaches may be used.

The at least one processor operates in accordance with the exemplarylogic flow to periodically test the ability of the magnetic sensingcircuitry to detect radiation emitted from the radiation source. If achange is detected which suggests a malfunction of the magnetic sensingcircuitry or other adverse conditions, the at least one processoradjusts machine operation and/or provides at least one indication of apotential problem. In the exemplary embodiment the at least oneprocessor executes a timing function to determine the period of timesince the last test of the magnetic sensing circuitry. This isschematically represented in FIG. 71 by step 824. Step 825 in the logicflow corresponds to the process of determining if the time period sincethe last test has reached or exceeded a particular time limit. If thelimit is not determined to have been reached in step 826, the machinecontinues to wait until an appropriate time. If however a set timeperiod has been reached, the logic flow moves to a step 828.

In the exemplary embodiment it is desired to avoid attempting to sensethe operation of the magnetic sensing circuitry during times that themachine is operating to carry out transactions. There are severalreasons for this including that during transactions multiple sources ofelectromagnetic radiation may be operating within the machine. Furtherconducting testing during transactions is generally not possible as suchtesting may interfere with or delay processing the transaction. In step828 the logic associated with the at least one processor determines ifan ATM transaction is currently in progress on the machine. If so themachine will wait until such time as a transaction is not beingconducted to execute the testing.

If however in step 828 it is determined that the ATM is currently notengaged in carrying out a transaction the processor logic moves to step830. In step 830 the at least one processor is operative to determinethe at least one level of radiation sensed by the magnetic sensingcircuitry when the electromagnetic radiation source is in a condition inwhich it is not operating to produce radiation. In the exemplaryembodiment this is a time when the particular motor which serves as theradiation source is not being operated. The at least one processor isoperative to cause to be obtained from the radiation sensing circuitry,one or more values which correspond to radiation sensed during thiscondition. In step 832 the at least one processor is operative tocompare the values obtained in step 830 with the reference valuespreviously obtained in step 812. This comparison may include evaluatingdiscrete values, the averages of such values, the median of such valuesor other single or multiple comparisons to analyze how the value orvalues currently sensed compare to those previously obtained when theelectromagnetic radiation source is in the nonoperating condition.

In the exemplary embodiment the at least one processor is operative todetermine that the absolute value of the differences between the one ormore values previously stored and the current values exceed a reference.In exemplary embodiments this may include a single preset reference ormultiple references. In addition such references may also be adjustedbased on various factors. This comparison of the stored values to therecently obtained values is represented in FIG. 72 by a step 834. If thedifference between the currently obtained values and the referencevalues exceeds a threshold, the logic proceeds as indicated to executethe steps represented in FIG. 73. In these circumstances the at leastone processor operates in accordance with its programmed instructions towait for a preset time period as represented in a step 836. This is doneto try to avoid giving an indication of a problem when the machine hasbeen exposed to a transient radiation source which has caused ananomalous reading. Such a source may include for example an adjacentradio transmitter in a nearby vehicle, static generated by a vehicle orother machinery, or the operation of appliances or other devices whichuse electric motors. Such transient radiation sources will generallymove away from the machine within a relatively short time period and theexemplary logic operates to allow such time for such sources to leavethe vicinity of the machine.

As represented schematically by step 838, after the time period afurther value from the magnetic sensing circuitry with the motor in thenonoperating position is captured through operation of the at least oneprocessor. Again this may include single or multiple values of the typepreviously discussed. In step 840 the at least one processor isoperative to cause an analysis of the one or more values sensed in step838 with the initial values previously captured in step 812.

Step 842 represents logic executed by the processor in determining ifthe comparison of the recently sensed values and stored values has anabsolute difference that exceeds one or more threshold values. Of courseas previously discussed, this comparison may be of multiple values,single values, calculated weighted values or other comparisons. If instep 842 the difference does not exceed the one or more thresholds, thelogic returns to step 824. If however the analysis indicates that thereare differences between the originally sensed values and the currentvalues which may correspond to a malfunction, the logic proceeds to astep 844. In step 844 the at least one processor is operative to resolvethat the magnetic sensing circuitry is sensing a high radiationcondition which is not appropriate to the current status of the machine.In step 846 the at least one processor is operative in accordance withits programming to execute steps that disable the machine from carryingout functions in which the magnetic sensing circuitry is required tooperate. This may include for example adjusting the operation of themachine so that it no longer carries out transactions that involveimaging checks and/or reading magnetic indicia on documents.Alternatively in other embodiments the at least one processor mayoperate to cause the machine to cease carrying out user transactions. Ofcourse these approaches are exemplary and will depend on the programmingof the particular machine.

Further in the exemplary embodiment in step 846 the at least oneprocessor is operative to cause at least one signal to be sent from themachine indicative of a potentially problematic condition. This mayinclude for example, the machine communicating with at least one hostcomputer or other remote computer to indicate the problem ormalfunction. This may include for example, a computer that is operativeto notify a third party servicer of the need to conduct a servicingactivity to repair the machine. Thereafter in accordance with theexemplary logic the machine is operative in a step 850 to note thecondition and to maintain its status data stored in memory until suchtime as the machine is reset. This may be done through serviceactivities by a servicer at the machine. Alternatively in someembodiments this may be accomplished remotely by messages sent to themachine that operate to diagnose and/or correct conditions and to placethe machine back in service. Of course these approaches are exemplary.

If however it is determined in step 834 that the current backgroundradiation does not differ from the previously stored values by more thanthe one or more thresholds, the at least one processor causes theradiation source to operate. This is represented in a step 850. In anexemplary embodiment the radiation source includes a motor that operatesto drive a sheet transport within the automated banking machine. Thismay be a sheet transport within the housing of the machine that operatesduring transactions to move sheets such as currency bills, checks,receipts or other items. In the exemplary embodiment because theradiation source is operated by the processor during a time period whenno transaction is being conducted, the sheet transport does not causemovement of sheets. Of course this approach is exemplary and in otherembodiments other types of radiation sources, transaction functiondevices or approaches may be used.

The at least one processor operates in conjunction with the magneticsensing circuitry to determine one or more values that correspond to theradiation from the source that is detected through the magnetic readheads and magnetic sensing circuitry. This is represented by a step 852.Again such sensing may be on a continuous basis, periodic basis, averagebasis, time weighted basis or other basis for purposes capturing one ormore values that are suitable for comparison to the previously storedone or more values that correspond to the radiation source in anoperative condition. The at least one processor operates in theexemplary embodiment to analyze these values and compare them to theprior stored values. This is represented by a step 854.

The analysis in step 854 causes the processor to make a determination asto whether the comparison of the various values that have beenpreviously stored and the currently sensed values, indicate a differencethat exceeds one or more thresholds. Again the analysis carried outthrough operation of the at least one processor will depend on the typeof values that are recorded and stored in the operation of the system.The at least one processor of the exemplary embodiment operates todetermine if this analysis results in a difference between one or morecurrently sensed values and one or more previously stored values thatexceeds one or more thresholds. This is represented by a step 856. Ifthe comparison does not show a significant deviation between the sensedand the previously stored values, it is indicative in the exemplaryembodiment that the magnetic read heads and the associated magneticsensor circuitry are operating properly. In response to resolving thiscondition the at least one processor operates to stop the radiationsource, changing its condition from the operative condition in which themotor runs to an inoperative condition in which the motor is off. Thisis represented by step 858.

The at least one processor then acts to reset the timing function sothat the periodic check of the magnetic sensing circuitry is carried outagain after a period of time. This is represented by a step 860. Thelogic then returns to carrying out the timing function until it isappropriate to carry out the next test. It should be understood,however, that although the passage of time is indicated as the basis forperiod testing in this exemplary embodiment, in other embodiments othermeasures for conducting testing may be used. This may include forexample testing on the basis of the number of transactions conducted bythe machine. Alternatively in some embodiments such testing may beconducted based on the number of checks or other sheets that have beensensed through operation of the magnetic sensing circuitry since theprior test. In still other embodiments other parameters may be used asthe basis for conducting the testing.

In the exemplary embodiment if it is determined in step 856 that thereis a deviation in the currently sensed one or more values relative tothe prior sensed values, then the at least one processor executesfurther instructions that are represented by a step 862 in FIG. 74. Inthis exemplary embodiment the at least one processor is operative tocause the output of at least one signal that indicates a malfunction ofthe magnetic sensing circuitry. The at least one processor is alsooperative in the exemplary embodiment to cause the functions thatrequire the reading of magnetic indicia to be disabled. This may includefor example, changing operation of the automated banking machine so thatit no longer carries out transactions including the acceptance of checksor other documents including the magnetic indicia. In still otherembodiments the at least one processor or may operate to disable furtheroperation of the machine to carry out any transactions. Of course theseapproaches are exemplary.

Also in the exemplary logic flow the at least one processor is operativeto cause the automated banking machine to send at least one message fromthe machine to a remote computer. The at least one message is operativeto notify a remote servicer or other entity of the malfunction which hasapparently occurred at the machine. This notification may for examplecause a servicer to be dispatched to the machine. Alternatively or inaddition the at least one processor may attempt to execute furtherdiagnostic or corrective functions in order to identify and/or correctthe problem. In the exemplary embodiment the at least one processor isoperative to notify the at least one remote computer of a probablemalfunction, maintains a waiting state in which the automated bankingmachine waits to be repaired either by a servicer at the machine orthrough signals sent remotely to the machine. This is represented in astep 866. Of course it should be understood that this logic flow isexemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

It should further be understood that various approaches may be taken indetermining whether the electromagnetic radiation sensed from the sourceis varied in ways that necessitate some remedial action at the automatedbanking machine. For example in some exemplary embodiments the magneticsensing circuitry associated with each read head may provide an outputindicative of the radiation level sensed from the electromagneticradiation emitting device. This output may be averaged over a set periodof time and this average value can then be compared to a stored value.In still other exemplary embodiments such sensing may involve review ofmaximum levels of radiation, minimum levels of radiation, median valuesor numerous additional values that are then compared to one or morestored values. In still other exemplary embodiments selective sensing atdifferent the frequencies may be conducted and/or compared. Suchanalysis may also be done for each read head and associated circuitryindividually.

Alternatively the analysis may be conducted for signals that result froma combination or comparison of what is sensed by each read head and theassociated circuitry. Alternatively or in addition the at least oneprocessor may be operative to cause the operation of multipleelectromagnetic radiation sources within the machine. The parametersassociated with the radiation sensed from each of these sourcesoperating individually and/or the combined effect of both operatingsimultaneously may be analyzed and compared. Alternatively or inaddition, the at least one processor may execute instructions that areoperative to account for background radiation. Thus for example, thelevel of radiation sensed when the radiation emitting device(s) in themachine are not operating may be accounted for in the calculation forpurposes of determining whether the magnetic sensing circuitry isoperating properly. Of course these approaches are exemplary.

It should further be understood that the computer executableinstructions carried out by the processor in conducting the analysis maybe stored in various forms of media that can be accessed and from whichthe instructions can be executed by the at least one processor. Thesemay include for example, firmware memory, magnetic memory, flash memoryor memory stored on another form of article in operative connection withthe at least one processor. Of course these approaches are exemplary.

The operation of an exemplary embodiment is now explained with referenceto FIGS. 46 through 67. The exemplary automated banking machine isoperated by a customer to perform at least one transaction involvingacceptance of sheets. This may include for example, the user providinginputs to identify themself or their account, as well as to indicate atransaction that they wish to conduct through operation of the machine.This may be done in response to instructions output through the display.The user indicates that they wish to conduct a sheet acceptingtransaction. The sheet accepting transaction may include in someembodiments, acceptance of checks, and other embodiments the sheets tobe accepted may include notes. In still other embodiments the sheets tobe accepted may include mixed notes and checks. In other embodiments thesheets may include bills, such as utility bills, tickets, vouchers andfood stamps. In still other embodiments other types of sheets or itemsmay be accepted depending on the capabilities of the machine.

With reference to FIG. 46, in the conduct of an exemplary transactionthe sheet access area 684 initially has external access thereto blockedby the gate 680. The user prepares a stack 756 comprising a plurality ofsheets for receipt by the machine through the sheet opening 678. Itshould be noted that in the initial position the divider plate 690 andthe belt flight 688 are disposed downward and are in generallysupporting connection with the belt flight 686. Of course it should beappreciated that as shown in FIGS. 46 through 67, the structures in thesheet acceptance area are shown in a sectional view taken through themiddle of the sheet acceptance area.

Responsive to the at least one processor in the machine operating tocause the machine to carry out a sheet accepting transaction, the atleast one processor is operative to cause the gate 680 to open as shownin FIG. 48. The at least one processor is also operative to cause thestop 698 to move to a raised position. The processor is also operativeto cause the divider plate and upper transport including the upper sheetdriver member, to be disposed a greater distance away from the beltflight 686. This enables the user to insert the stack 756 inwardly intothe area between the belt flight 768 and the divider plate 690, untilthe stack is in abutting relation with the stop. As shown in FIGS. 50and 51 the at least one processor is thereafter operative to retract thestop 698 and to cause the belt flight 688 and divider plate 690 to belowered. This provides for the stack 756 to be in sandwiched relationbetween the belt flight 686, belt flight 688 and divider plate 690. Itshould be remembered that the exemplary divider plate includes a pair ofhorizontally disposed plate portions including the central opening thatextends parallel to each belt flight belt. This enables each of the beltflights to operatively engage the sheets in the stack. The divider plateis also movably mounted relative to the housing such that each dividerplate portion can be moved vertically, responsive to at least one drive,and can also move angularly to maintain engagement with sheets. In theexemplary embodiment each of the portions of the divider plate areenabled to pivot generally about a horizontal axis that extends near thetransverse center thereof. In the exemplary embodiment the extent thateach portion of the divider plate is enabled to pivot is generallylimited to a relatively small angle. This ability of the divider plateto pivot as well as to move vertically generally in the area of the axisabout which the portion can pivot, facilitates the exemplaryembodiment's capabilities to deliver and receive sheets from users aswell as to deliver and receive sheets to and from the opening of thedeposit accepting device.

The at least one processor causes at least one drive to move the beltflights so that the stack 756 moves inwardly from the sheet access areasuch that the ends of the sheet move inwardly past the gate 680. Asshown in FIGS. 54 and 53 sensors 758 are positioned to sense the stackin the sheet access area. Responsive to the end of the stack havingmoved inward between the belt flights, the at least one processor isoperative to cause the gate 680 to close as shown in FIGS. 52 and 53.The closing of the gate prevents persons who have deposited a stack ofsheets from further accessing such sheets after they have moved in themachine.

As represented in FIGS. 54 and 55 the sheets are moved inwardly throughoperation of the belt flights so that the sheets move in the opening 699past the inward end of the divider plate and into contact with thepicker 700.

As shown in FIGS. 56 and 57 the processor then operates to cause theupper belt flight 688 to move upwardly and away from the lower beltflight 686. The divider plate 690 remains disposed above and in contactwith the stack 756. In this position the leading edge of the stackextends inward in the machine beyond the inward edge of the dividerplate and the stack moves adjacent to the picker 700. The picker thenoperates generally in the manner of the incorporated disclosures to picksheets one at a time to separate them from the stack.

In the exemplary embodiment the divider plate acts to hold the stackpositioned against the driver member 686 and adjacent a registrationplate portion 687 to facilitate reliable picking of sheets by thepicker. During picking, a thumper member 764 also acts on the bottomsheet in the stack to urge the bottom sheet to move toward the picker.The thumper member 764 moves rotationally responsive to a drive and alsoprovides an upward and inward directed force on the bottom sheet. Thedownward force applied on the top of the stack by the divider plateincreases the effective force applied by the thumper member urging thesheet at the bottom of the stack to move toward the picker. Of coursethis approach is exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches maybe used.

In the operation of the exemplary embodiment the deposit acceptingdevice operates in accordance with the programming of the at least oneprocessor, to move the sheets into the document alignment area 708. Eachpicked sheet is aligned in the manner discussed, and moved in the sheetpath past the analysis devices such as the magnetic read heads 714, 716;imager 718; currency validator 720; and/or other sheet analysis devices.Of course it should be understood that in some embodiments other ordifferent sheet analysis devices may be present. For example in a devicewhich only accepts checks, a currency validator and associated sensorsmay not be present. Likewise depending on the nature of the sheets beingaccepted, other or additional analysis devices may be included.

In the exemplary embodiment sheets that have been moved past theanalysis devices are moved in the transport 712 and are directed throughoperation of the diverter 724 for storage in the sheet storage andretrieval device 722. In the exemplary embodiment the at least oneprocessor is operative responsive to the signals regarding each sheetfrom the analysis devices to analyze each sheet for at least onecharacteristic or property. These may include image properties, magneticproperties, color properties, patterns, watermarks, data or othercharacteristics that are usable to identify a sheet as an acceptablesheet for acceptance by the machine.

In some embodiments for example, the at least one processor of themachine may operate responsive to data received from the analysisdevices to determine that sheets input to the machine include validcurrency notes of a given denomination or type. The at least oneprocessor may operate responsive to determining that such valid currencynotes have been input to cause the automated banking machine to operateto cause an account associated with the user whose card data was read bya machine to be credited for an amount corresponding to such validnotes. This may be done by the at least one processor causing theautomated banking machine to communicate with one or more remotecomputers that have data stores which include data corresponding to auser's account and the funds allocated thereto. In still otherembodiments the at least one processor may operate in the case ofreceived documents which are checks, to determine whether such checksappear to be valid and a user is authorized to be given credit for suchchecks. This may include for example analyzing the checks in accordancewith the incorporated disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 7,284,695 for example.The automated banking machine may operate using data read from thechecks such as the micr line data, image data and/or other data, tocause the automated banking machine to determine that the user of themachine is to be provided value for one or more checks received by themachine. Of course the at least one processor may operate in otherembodiments to analyze data read by analysis devices from other types ofitems which have been received by the machine and make determinations asto whether such items are acceptable and/or whether a user is to beprovided with credit therefor.

Further, in some embodiments it should be understood that the at leastone processor may also operate to identify certain items as unacceptableto the machine. These may include for example items which cannot beidentified as valid currency notes, checks or other items that themachine is programmed to accept. The at least one processor in themachine may operate in accordance with its programming and/or datareceived by communication with remote computers to determine that theitems the user has input cannot be accepted by the machine. Of coursethese approaches are exemplary.

In an exemplary embodiment after sheets have been received in themachine the at least one processor is then operative to cause the sheetstorage and retrieval device 722 to deliver the sheets one by one to thetransport 712. The transport operates to move each of the sheets towardthe sheet access area. The diverter 724 is operative to direct thesheets as appropriate toward the sheet access area. As each of thesheets move in the transport 712, the diverter 728 is operative toselectively direct sheets that have been determined to include the atleast one property associated with acceptable sheets, to the sheetstorage and retrieval device 726. Device 726 is operative to storeacceptable sheets while the unacceptable sheets continue in the sheetpath toward the sheet access area. In the transport 706 sheets areengaged by the diverter 730 and are directed through the opening 699onto the second side 794 of the sheet access area. The rejected sheetswhich are positioned on the second side of the divider plate 690 can bedelivered to the machine user in a manner later discussed.

In operation of the exemplary embodiment, the at least one processor isthen operative to cause the sheet storage and retrieval device 726 todeliver the acceptable sheets therefrom. The transport 712 is operativeto move each sheet to an appropriate storage area in the machine. Forexample sheets which are checks may be stored in the storage device 660.Sheets which are notes may be stored in connection with the sheetrecycler device 658 or in another suitable sheet storage area. It shouldbe understood that a plurality of different types of sheet storage areasmay be included in the machine for storage of one or more types ofsheets.

Although in the exemplary embodiment sheets received in the machine arealigned with the sheet path before being analyzed and stored on thesheet storage and retrieval device 722, there is a risk that sheets maybe come misaligned as they are attempted to be moved out of the machineand through the opening 699 to the user. The exemplary embodimentincludes features operative to minimize the risk of sheets becomingjammed or otherwise rendering the deposit accepting device inoperativebecause of such misalignment. The exemplary embodiment includes sheetsensors 735 and 737 as schematically represented in FIG. 43. The sheetsensors 735 and 737 are disposed in a first direction inwardly relativeto the opening 699 through which sheets pass in and out of the machine.Each of the sensors 735 and 737 are disposed transversely relative tothe area where sheets normally move in the sheet path. Each of thesesensors is also in operative connection with at least one processorthrough appropriate interfaces.

If during operation of the machine, when sheets are being returned tothe sheet access area, a sheet is sensed by one of the sensors, it is anindication to the at least one processor that a sheet is substantiallyout of alignment with the opening 699 and may present a problem if it iscontinued to be moved toward the sheet access area. In the exemplaryembodiment responsive to the sensing of the sheet by either sensor 735or 737, the at least one processor is operative to cause the transportto stop the movement of the sheet in the outward direction toward theopening. The at least one processor then operates to cause the transportto move the sheet into the sheet alignment area. This is done by movingthe sheet inward into the machine from the area of the sensor 735 or 737which sensed the sheet. The at least one processor then causes thedevices in the sheet alignment area to engage the sheet and align itwith the transport path. This is done in a manner like that previouslydescribed by moving the sheet transversely such that an edge of thesheet is aligned with the virtual wall formed by sensors 734. Once thesheet is aligned the at least one processor then causes the sheet to bereengaged with the transport which attempts to move the sheet outwardthrough the opening 699 and into the sheet access area. In the exemplaryembodiment the fact that the sheet has been aligned and is in a properorientation is determined responsive to the fact that the sheet is notsensed by either of sensors 735 or 737. Of course it should beunderstood that this approach is exemplary and in other embodimentsother approaches may be used. This may include for example having aplurality of sensors spaced transversely or in other locations in thesheet path which can be used to determine the location and/ororientation of the document.

Further in the exemplary embodiment if an attempt is made to align asheet with the sheet path so it can be returned through the opening, anddespite this effort the sheet is again sensed as out of alignment, theat least one processor will operate in accordance with its programmingto make a further attempt to align the sheet with the sheet path. Thissecond attempt in the exemplary embodiment again involves engaging thesheet with the transverse transports and aligning it with the sheetpath. If after this second attempt when the machine operates to try toreturn the sheet to the sheet access area and there is again sensed anindication that the sheet is misaligned, the at least one processor willthereafter operate in accordance with its programming to cause at leastone message to be sent from the automated banking machine to a remotecomputer to indicate that there is a probable jam and malfunction of thedeposit accepting device. Alternatively or in addition in someembodiments the at least one processor may operate to take otherremedial actions. These may include for example attempting to realignthe sheet additional times. Alternatively or in addition the at leastone processor may operate to again accept the sheet into a storagedevice in the machine, or the at least one processor may cause the sheetto move the sheet in the transport to a location in the machine for suchsheets that cannot be processed. Of course these approaches areexemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

Rejected sheets that have been moved to the second side of the dividerplate are returned to the banking machine user in a manner shown inFIGS. 66 and 67. The rejected sheets 760 are held in a stack on theupper side of the divider plate. The at least one processor is operativeto cause belt flight 688 and divider plate 690 to move downward suchthat the rejected sheets are in sandwiched relation between belt flight688 and belt flight 686. The at least one processor is then operative toopen the gate 680. The processor operates to cause at least one drive tomove the belts so as to extend the sheets in the stack 670 outwardthrough the opening in the housing of the machine.

It should be understood that in exemplary embodiments the rejectedsheets may be returned to the user while the accepted sheets are beingmoved to other storage locations in the machine. Alternatively in someembodiments the user may be given the option by the banking machine tohave all of the sheets that they have deposited, returned. This may beaccomplished in the exemplary embodiment by the sheets in the sheetstorage and retrieval device 726 being moved through the sheet path tothe sheet access area. Alternatively or in addition, in some embodimentsthe user may be offered the opportunity to retry the unacceptablesheets. In still other embodiments the machine may operate to hold instorage unacceptable sheets which the at least one processor hasdetermined may be associated with the user attempting to perpetrate afraud. Of course these approaches are exemplary and in other embodimentsother approaches may be used.

In still other alternative embodiments sheets may be determined asunacceptable relatively quickly, and may be identified as sheets thatshould be returned to a user before all of the sheets in the stack inputby the user to the sheet access area have been picked. Alternatively orin addition a user may provide one or more inputs indicating that theywish to abort a transaction prior to all of the sheets in the inputstack being picked. These situations may be associated with theconfigurations of the exemplary deposit accepting device shown in FIGS.58 and 59. For example a rejected sheet 762 may be returned to the sheetaccess area prior to all the sheets from the sheet stack having beenpicked. This may be the result of the rejected sheet 762, having beenanalyzed and determined to be unacceptable. Alternatively in someembodiments the rejected sheet may be the result of the user indicatingthat they wish to abort the transaction. As shown in FIGS. 58 and 59,such a rejected sheet is diverted through operation of the diverter 730into the second side 694 such that the sheet is supported on the upperside of the divider plate 690.

The return of sheets to the banking machine user is represented in FIGS.60 and 61. The at least one processor is operative to cause the dividerplate 690 and belt flight 688 to move downward such that the sheetswhich are on each side of the divider plate are in sandwiched relationbetween the belt flights 686 and 688. The at least one processor isoperative to open the gate 680 and to move the belt flights as shownsuch that the sheets on each side of the divider plate are moved outwardthrough the opening 678 in the housing. The user may then take thesheets from the machine.

FIGS. 62 through 65 represent an exemplary operation that can be carriedout by the machine if the user does not take the checks or other sheetsthat have been presented to the user by the machine. As shown in FIG. 62the sheets which are positioned on both sides of the diverter plate 690are moved through operation of the belt flights toward the picker. Uponthe stacks of sheets reaching the picker, the gate 680 is dosed. Thepicker 700 is then operated to pick the sheets. The sheets are pickedfrom the area 692 below the diverter plate and then from the side 694above the diverter plate. This is achieved because in the area adjacentthe picker, the sheets regardless of whether they are above or below thediverter plate generally form a continuous sheet stack which enables allthe sheets to be picked regardless of whether they are above or belowthe divider plate.

In the exemplary embodiment the at least one processor is operative tocause the retracted sheets to be stored in a suitable area of themachine. The machine is further operative to record the fact that theuser did not take the presented sheets. This enables the sheets toeventually be traced to and/or returned to the particular user. Ofcourse this approach is exemplary and in other embodiments otherapproaches to operation of the machine may be used. It should beunderstood however that in this exemplary embodiment the machineoperates to clear the sheet access area so that transactions can beconducted for subsequent banking machine users even though a user didnot take their presented sheets.

A further aspect of the exemplary embodiment is the use of a thumpermember 764 in connection with picking sheets from the stack. In theexemplary embodiment the thumper member 764 is a rotating memberincluding a raised area. It is aligned with the opening in the dividerplate. The raised area is operative to displace the sheet and urge thesheet bounding the lower end of the stack to move into engagement withthe picker 700. The bouncing movement of the stack of sheets isoperative to help break the forces associated with surface tension andto help to separate the lowermost sheet from the stack. As previouslydiscussed, when the divider plate acts on top of a stack of sheets, or adriver member acts on top of a stack of sheets, the force applied by thethumper member to the sheets is enhanced. Of course this approach isexemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In a further aspect of an exemplary embodiment, sensors are provided fordetermining the positions of sheets in this sheet access area. As can beappreciated in the exemplary embodiment one pair of opposed belt flightsare operative to operatively engage and move sheets both above and belowthe divider plate. In operating the exemplary banking machine the atleast one processor is operative to determine the location of sheets,and specifically whether sheets are present on the first side 692 belowthe divider plate 690 or in the second side 694 above the divider plate.

This is accomplished in an exemplary embodiment through an arrangementshown in FIGS. 68 and 69. FIG. 69 shows a plan view of a portion thatcorresponds to half of the divider plate 690. In the exemplaryembodiment the divider plate 690 includes reflective pieces 766 and 768thereon. In the exemplary embodiment reflective pieces 766 and 768comprise a piece of tape that is operative to reflect radiationtherefrom. In an exemplary embodiment the tape may be an adhesive backedtape although in other embodiments other materials and pieces may beused. Further the exemplary embodiment of the portion of the dividerplate 690 includes apertures 770 and 772 therein.

Further in the exemplary embodiment the reflective pieces are angularreflective pieces. This includes in the exemplary embodiment materialwith angular reflective properties such that radiation striking thereflective piece at an acute angle is reflected from the reflectivepiece back at the same or almost the same acute angle. This isaccomplished in an exemplary embodiment due to the orientation ofreflective elements within the reflective piece. Thus for example asshown in FIG. 68 a sensor 774 which includes a radiation emitter and aradiation receiver is enabled to sense whether reflective piece 766 iscovered by at least one adjacent sheet. Further the sensor 774 isenabled to sense that reflective piece 766 is covered or uncovered froma position that is laterally disposed from the side 694 in which sheetsmay be positioned. Likewise a similar sensor 776 is operative to sensewhether a sheet is covering reflective piece 768 in a position disposedlaterally from the divider plate. As can be appreciated these sensorsenable the sensing of whether sheets are present, as well as theirposition on the second side 694 above the divider plate 690.

Also in this exemplary embodiment the sensor 778 includes emitter 780and a receiver 782. The emitter 780 and receiver 782 are disposed fromone another and aligned with aperture 770. As a result the ability ofthe receiver 782 to sense radiation from the emitter 780 indicates thatsheets are not present either on the first side 692 or the second side694 in the area of aperture 770. Similarly a sensor 784 which includesan emitter 786 and a receiver 788 is operative to determine if sheetsare present either on the first side 692 or on the second side 694 inthe area of aperture 772.

Further in an exemplary embodiment, a sheet support plate 790 ispositioned in generally parallel relation with belt flight 686 andextends laterally on each transverse side thereof. A reflective piece792 supported thereon operates in conjunction with the sensor 794.Sensor 794 is of a type similar to sensor 774 and includes an emitterand adjacent receiver. Similarly a reflective piece 796 operates inconjunction with a sensor 798. Such reflective pieces and sensors may beused to independently sense the presence and/or location of sheets onthe first side 692. Further as can be appreciated, support plate 790includes apertures 800 and 802 which are aligned with sensors 788 and784 respectively. Further in other embodiments a support plate may bepositioned adjacent to belt flight 688. Such a support plate may alsoinclude apertures and/or reflective elements positioned thereon. Such asupport plate may be of the type previously described or may be of adifferent construction.

Further such a support plate may include angular reflective pieces so asto enable the sensing of sheets proximate thereto with a sensor that ispositioned transversely of the area in which sheets may be positioned.As can be appreciated this ability to sense the sheets may include thepositioning of the sensors transversely from the sheet holding areas andpositions as may be convenient and where space is available within thegiven housing structure of the automated banking machine.

This exemplary arrangement of sensors enables the at least one processorto determine the presence and position of sheets on both the first sideand the second side of the divider plate 690. The ability of theexemplary embodiment to sense in such areas through the use of sensorswhich are laterally disposed away from the area in which sheets mustpass, provides benefits in terms of being able to position the sensorsin ways that do not interfere with the movement of the devicecomponents. It should be understood however that these approaches areexemplary and in other embodiments the use of different types of sensorsfor the detection of sheets may be used.

It should be understood that in the exemplary embodiment the depositaccepting device may also operate as part of the cash dispenser of themachine. This may be accomplished for example, through operation of theprocessor which causes currency sheets to be picked from the sheetdispenser device 656 and/or the sheet recycling device 758 for deliveryto an ATM user. Such sheets may be moved through the various transportsand delivered to the sheet access area. Such sheets may be presented tothe user through the opening in the ATM housing in the manner previouslydiscussed. Of course while the exemplary embodiment enables the depositaccepting device to operate as part of the currency dispenser, in otherembodiments a separate device may be used for dispensing currency sheetswhile the deposit accepting device is operative only to accept and storesheets. Of course these approaches are exemplary and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

In addition it should be understood that although in the exemplaryembodiment particular structures are disclosed for the sheet movingdevices, divider plate and other sheet handling mechanisms, in otherembodiments other structures may be used. This may include for exampleadditional numbers of divider plates and sheet moving devices.Alternatively or in addition rather than using a split divider platehaving two portions as in the exemplary embodiment, other embodimentsmay include divider plates with apertures which can accept rollers,balls or other types of sheet moving devices therein. In addition whilethe exemplary embodiment is described in connection with sheet handlingdevices that move belts and the divider plate relatively vertically toone another, and in which the vertical position of the lower belt isfixed, other embodiments may include different arrangements. Thesearrangements may include transports and divider plates which movehorizontally or angularly relative to one another to achieve thedelivery and acceptance of sheets from a user. Further additionaldevices and structures may be combined with or used in lieu of thestructures and devices described in connection with the exemplaryembodiments herein.

FIG. 75 schematically shows an alternative embodiment of a depositaccepting device generally indicated 870. Deposit accepting device 870includes many features that are similar to the exemplary depositaccepting device 662 previously described. For example deposit acceptingdevice 870 includes a sheet access area 872 which includes similarstructures to sheet access area 684 previously described. Depositaccepting device 870 also includes a picker 874 which is used toseparate sheets from stacks in the sheet access area.

Deposit accepting device 870 also has a sheet path 876 therethroughwhich includes a document alignment area 878 which may be of the typepreviously described. The exemplary deposit accepting device 870 alsoincludes a plurality of sheet sensors and magnetic read heads of thetype described in connection with the previous embodiment. Depositaccepting device 870 also includes analysis devices as is appropriatefor the types of sheets being processed. This may include for example,micr line read heads schematically indicated 880, an imager 882, avalidator 884 and other appropriate sensors or analysis devices that areusable to verify one or more features associated with the authenticityof the sheets being processed. In the exemplary embodiment the depositaccepting device 870 is operative to process checks. However, asdiscussed previously, other embodiments may be used to process othertypes of sheets such as currency notes, tickets, gaming materials orother types of documents.

The exemplary deposit accepting device 870 additionally includes a sheettransport section 886. The deposit accepting device also has a sheettransport section 888 and a sheet transport section 890. A movablediverter gate 892 is operatively positioned between transport sections886 and 888. Diverter gate 892 is selectively positionable and changesconditions responsive to a drive that is in operative connection withone or more processors of the machine. Diverter gate 892 is selectivelyoperative to direct sheets traveling inward in the machine transportsection 886, to transport section 888. In addition in the exemplaryembodiment, diverter gate 892 is operative to be positioned toselectively direct sheets traveling in engagement with transport section888 toward transport section 886 to either transport 886, or a storagedevice 894. Storage device 894 may in some embodiments be of the typepreviously described such as storage device 660. Of course in otherembodiments other types of storage devices or document recycling devicesmay be used.

In the exemplary embodiment a diverter gate 896 is operativelypositioned between transport section 890 and transport section 888.Diverter gate 896 is also in operative connection with a drive that iscontrolled responsive to operation of at least one processor. Divertergate 896 is selectively positionable to direct sheets moving inward intransport section 888 toward transport section 890 to engage with thetransport section 890. The exemplary diverter gate 896 is alsoselectively positionable to direct sheets moving in transport section890 toward transport section 888 to either engage transport section 888or to engage rollers 898 which move documents into a storage area 900.Storage area 900 may be used for example, to store sheets that aredesired to be segregated from sheets that are stored in the storagedevice 894. Of course this approach is exemplary.

The exemplary deposit accepting device 870 further includes a sheetstorage and retrieval device schematically indicated 902. In theexemplary embodiment the sheet storage and retrieval device is of thebelt recycler type which can be used to selectively store and deliversheets thereon. Of course it should be understood that this device isexemplary and in other embodiments other devices may be used.

In operation of the exemplary deposit accepting device, checks or othersheets are received from the sheet access area 872 in an area below thedivider plate 904 in the manner previously described. The sheets such aschecks are picked from the stack of sheets received in the machine. Eachsheet after being picked is aligned in the document alignment area 878and analyzed by the document analysis devices. In the exemplaryembodiment the micr line data on checks is read through operation of themagnetic read heads 880. The check is imaged through operation of theimager 882. Further in the exemplary embodiment if the check includesother characteristics to indicate validity, the validator 884 mayoperate to sense for those characteristics.

Each check is moved from the transport section 886 and through thetransport sections 888 and 890, and is stored on the sheet storage andretrieval device 892. As discussed in connection with the priorembodiment, the automated banking machine in which the deposit acceptingdevice is included operates responsive to at least one processor that isin operative connection with the deposit accepting device and theassociated analysis devices the at least one processor determines whichof the sheets and checks processed are acceptable and will be stored inthe machine, and which are not acceptable and will be returned to thecustomer. Further in this exemplary embodiment the at least oneprocessor is operative to determine which of the sheets have propertiesthat suggest that they should be stored in the machine in a segregatedmanner away from checks that have been accepted.

In the exemplary embodiment the at least one processor operates to causethe sheet storage and retrieval device 902 to deliver the sheets to thetransport section 890. The at least one processor operates to positiondiverter gate 896 as appropriate for each sheet. That is, in cases wherethe sheets are to be segregated and retained in the machine in storagearea 900, the diverter gate operates to direct those sheets to therollers 898 which move the sheets into the storage area 900. Sheetswhich are to be stored in the storage device 894 or returned to thecustomer are directed to the transport section 888 by the selectivepositioning of the diverter gate 896.

Similarly for each sheet moved outward in transport section 888 thediverter gate 892 is selectively positioned responsive to operation ofthe processor so that sheets that are to be returned to the customer aredirected by positioning the diverter gate to engage transport section886. Sheets that are to be stored in the storage device 894 are directedby positioning the diverter gate and moved into the storage device.

In this exemplary embodiment sheets that are to be returned to thecustomer are moved along the transport path back toward the picker andare directed to the sheet access area above the divider plate 904. Suchsheets may be handled as previously discussed to either resubmit them tothe machine or return them to the customer. Of course these approachesare exemplary.

In the exemplary embodiment of the deposit accepting device 870provision is made for facilitating the servicing of the depositaccepting device. The features associated with this capability arediscussed in connection with FIGS. 76 through 81. In the exemplaryembodiment circumstances may arise where a servicer needs to service thedeposit accepting device because a check or other sheet has becomejammed in the machine. In some cases the jammed sheet may be in thetransport path or other transport section. Jammed sheets may also becomelodged adjacent to a diverter gate. Alternatively sheets may becomemisaligned in connection with the sheet storage and retrieval device. Inthe exemplary embodiment when a sheet has become jammed, it may beadvisable for a servicer to remove not only the jammed sheet but all theother sheets which were in the transports and the sheet storage andretrieval device of the machine at the time that the malfunctionoccurred. A servicer may desire to do this for purposes of clearing thejam. The servicer may also wish to do this so that they can more readilymove the sheets to a proper location where they will not cause furtherproblems. In still other circumstances it may be desirable for theservicer to operate the deposit accepting device to run the sheetsthrough the device so that checks can be imaged or otherwise analyzed,and so that the image data and other data corresponding thereto may betransmitted from the automated banking machine into remote computersthat can process such data. Of course these approaches are exemplary.

Deposit accepting device 870 incorporates a feature that helps servicersremove sheets from the sheet storage and retrieval device in a way thatminimizes the risk of damage to the deposit accepting device. As can beappreciated, devices made to accurately process sheets may have closetolerances and efforts by servicers to manually move components whichinclude sheets may result in damage or changes which place the deviceout of adjustment. This may be particularly true of a sheet storage andretrieval device which has a flexible web for holding sheets therein. Ifattempts are made to manually move the web so as to recover sheetstherein, damage to the web or other components of the sheet storage andretrieval device might occur.

In exemplary embodiments when a jam is detected as having occurred inthe deposit accepting device the automated banking machine operates togive notice of the malfunction. Notice of the malfunction iscommunicated to a servicer who may repair the machine. The servicer whois to make repairs may access the deposit accepting device of theexemplary embodiment by opening a door on a housing of the automatedbanking machine. Generally the door supported on the housing of themachine is held in a closed position by a lock. An authorized servicerhas the key or combination that is usable to open the lock. The servicercan then open the door on the housing of the automated banking machineso as to provide access to the deposit accepting device. It should beunderstood that in some embodiments the door on the automated bankingmachine housing may be a door on the side of the machine away from thecustomer interface area. In other embodiments the door that is openedmay include a fascia or other portion of a customer interface area whichis movable to provide service access. Of course these approaches aremerely exemplary.

Of course it should be understood that the at least one processor in themachine may provide various types of diagnostic capabilities so as toindicate to the servicer the nature of the problem with the machine aswell as with the deposit accepting device. A servicer may utilize theinformation provided by the machine as well as the servicer's knowledgeand skill to locate the source of problems. This may include openingtransport sections in a manner like that previously described to inspectthe condition of devices, components, sensors and documents.

In the exemplary embodiment once the servicer has gained access to theinterior area of the housing the servicer may recover any checks orother documents that are stored in the sheet storage and retrievaldevice by moving transport section 890. As shown in FIG. 76 this is doneby manually actuating a latch 906. The manually actuatable latch 906includes hook portions 908 that operatively engage pins 910 on thedeposit accepting device. As can be appreciated when the latch isengaged, transport 890 is in operative position to move sheets to andfrom the sheet storage and retrieval device 902. Manually disengagingthe latch 906 enables a sheet transport access cover 912 to moverelative to the deposit accepting device.

In the exemplary embodiment the sheet transport access cover 912 isenabled to move rotationally about a lower end 914 which is disposed ofthe opposite end of the access cover from the latch 906. Rotationallymoving the sheet transport access cover is operative to provide accessto an open transport area schematically indicated 916.

As best shown in FIG. 76 the exemplary deposit accepting device includesa button 918. Manually depressing button 918 when the sheet transportaccess cover is open causes a motor 920 best shown in FIG. 80, to move afeed spool 922 of the sheet storage and retrieval device 902 so thatsheets engaged therewith are disengaged from the sheet storage andretrieval device and moved into the open transport area.

This is accomplished in an exemplary embodiment by the motor 920 movingthe flexible web 924 of the belt recycler onto the feed spool 922. Asthis occurs sheets that are stored on the sheet storage and retrievaldevice on the document spool 926 are moved therefrom into the opentransport area 916. By holding the button 918 the servicer is enabled tomove some or all of the sheets engaged with the sheet storage andretrieval device into the open transport area. Once the sheets are movedinto the open transport area the servicer can manually engage them andremove them for further handling.

It should be pointed out that the exemplary embodiment includesprovisions for avoiding excessive movement of the flexible web. As shownin FIG. 81 the flexible web of the exemplary embodiment includesmarkings 928, 930 and 932 adjacent the ends thereof. These markings,which in the exemplary embodiment comprise darkened areas, are sensed bysensors 934 of the deposit accepting device. These sensors provide anindication when the flexible web is reaching the extremes of its travel.These markings also provide an indication of which end of the web isadjacent to the particular sensors. This is accomplished by thedifferent markings being associated with different ends of the flexibleweb. The signals from the sensors 934 are communicated through circuitrywhich includes at least one processor in the machine. The at least oneprocessor operates to assure that the motor 920 does not cause the webto move excessively so that damage is caused thereto. Of course thisapproach is exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may beused.

Also in the exemplary embodiment as represented in FIG. 78, the manuallyactuatable latch 906 is in operative connection with a sensor 936.Sensor 936 is operative to sense when the latch 906 is in an opencondition. Thus sensor 936 is usable to indicate that the sheettransport access cover is open. The circuitry in operative connectionwith the sensor 936 is usable in a manner later discussed to indicatethat the deposit accepting device is not in an operative position. Ofcourse this approach is exemplary and in other embodiments otherapproaches may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment the servicer after removing sheets from thesheet storage and retrieval device may close the sheet transport accesscover and reengage the manual latch 906 which closes the transport areaand renders it no longer manually accessible to a user. As can beappreciated, closing the transport cover includes rotating the coverabout its lower end to reengage the latch. Of course this approach isexemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

Depending on the circumstances and the type of sheets involved the atleast one servicer may take the sheets that have been removed from thesheet storage and retrieval device and handle them as appropriate. Thismay include for example placing the sheets in the sheet storage device894 or in the sheet storage area 900. Alternatively in somecircumstances where the sheets have not been processed the servicer mayoperate the machine so that the sheets are reinserted to the depositaccepting device. The insertion of the sheets may cause the automatedbanking machine to operate in accordance with its programming to readdata from the sheets, image the sheets or otherwise validate the sheets.The servicer may operate the machine so that images of the sheets and/orother data is communicated from the machine to one or more remotecomputers so that the sheets that the user has inserted at the time themachine malfunctioned can be appropriately processed. This may includefor example a showing that checks which are deposited by a user areproperly credited to the user's account. In some embodiments at leastone processor in the machine may execute instructions that enables aservicer to transmit the account data of the user operating the machineat the time of the malfunction to a remote computer so that it may beassociated with the checks once the checks have been cleared from themachine. Alternatively, in some embodiments that handle other types ofsheets such as notes or tickets, provisions may be made for assuring thecrediting of the machine user for those as well. Of course theseapproaches are exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches maybe used.

Once the servicer has completed the service activities the servicer mayreturn the machine to service. This may include moving the depositaccepting device relative to the housing back into an operativeposition. This may be done by engaging the deposit accepting device witha manual stop or catch. Alternatively or in addition, this may includemoving the deposit accepting device relative to the housing such thatthe deposit accepting device operatively engages one or more sensors.Once the deposit accepting device is back in position the servicer maythen close the door on the housing and return the machine to service. Ofcourse these approaches and method steps are exemplary and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

Some exemplary embodiments of the deposit accepting device may includefeatures that help the servicer determine the operative condition of thedeposit accepting device. In some exemplary embodiments the depositaccepting device includes a plurality of visual indicators that provideoutputs indicative of conditions of the deposit accepting device. Anexemplary form of such visual indicators are shown in FIGS. 82 and 83.

In the exemplary embodiment the deposit accepting device includes acircuit card assembly 938. The circuit card assembly includes numerouscomponents which make up control circuitry associated with the depositaccepting device. In the exemplary embodiment the circuit card assemblyextends on the side of the deposit accepting device from an areaadjacent the sheet access area, which for purposes of this discussionwill be referred to as the front, to the rear of the device which forpurposes of this exemplary embodiment is where the sheet transportaccess cover is located. The circuit card assembly includes a visualindicator 940 located adjacent the front of the deposit acceptingdevice. The circuit card assembly also includes another visual indicator942 which is located at the rear of the device. Each one of the visualindicators in the exemplary embodiment is comprised of three differentcolor LEDs. Of course this construction of the visual indicators isexemplary.

The visual indicators on the circuit card assembly are positioned sothat they are only visible to a servicer from outside the housing whenthe movable access door is open. The fact that there are a plurality ofvisual indicators in disposed locations on the deposit accepting devicefurther facilitates observation by a servicer. For example when thedeposit accepting device is used in an automated banking machine thathas a service access door on the rear, a servicer is readily enabled toobserve the visual indicator 942 on the back of the device.Alternatively when the service door of the machine is located adjacentto the front of the deposit accepting device, the visual indicator 940is readily visible to a servicer once the access door adjacent to thefront of the deposit accepting device is open. Of course it should beunderstood that additional visual indicators may be provided in otherembodiments so as to facilitate observation of the visual outputsprovided therefrom by a servicer.

In the exemplary embodiment the circuitry associated with the depositaccepting device is operative to sense and/or determine the existence ofvarious conditions. In the exemplary embodiment these includedetermining conditions that may exist with regard to hardware featuresor software features. For purposes of this disclosure however, softwareroutines or other electronic features that are operative to determinethe existence of conditions, as well as hardware sensors, are referredto herein as sensors.

The exemplary embodiment is operative to include sensors that determinea plurality of conditions that exist with regard to the depositaccepting device. These include for example sensors that sense when thedeposit accepting device is positioned in the operative position in thehousing. Sensors which are operative to sense the physical location ofthe deposit accepting device are in operative connection with thecircuitry on the circuit card assembly so as to enable the circuit cardassembly to provide a unique and distinct output associated with thiscondition.

Further in the exemplary embodiment the deposit accepting deviceincludes numerous sensors along the path that sheets travel through thedevice. These sensors are in operative connection with the circuitry.The circuitry includes software instructions that enables the circuitryto determine when the signals from the sensors correspond to a jammedcheck. Further in exemplary embodiments the sensors and controlcircuitry may be operative to resolve not only a jammed check conditionbut also a location within the deposit accepting device where a jam hasoccurred.

Exemplary embodiments also provide indications of the status of manuallymovable components on the deposit accepting device. This may include forexample sensors which determine the position of the sheet transportaccess cover as previously discussed. Other sensors may also beoperative to sense the latched or unlatched condition of other accessopenings or other members that are moved on the deposit acceptingdevice. The control circuitry is operative responsive to the sensorsignals to determine the particular condition which exists.

Other sensors may be operative to determine printer malfunctions withinthe device. This may include for example circuitry which is operative tosense that the inkjet printer device is no longer functioning properlyto print indicia on checks. Alternatively sensors may be operative todetect a malfunction with regard to the stamper printer. Based onroutines and sensors included in the deposit accepting device, thecircuitry is operative to determine the conditions corresponding to suchmalfunctions.

Further in exemplary embodiments the control circuitry is operative todetermine if the deposit accepting device is properly in operativecommunication with other components within the machine. This may be donefor example by the control circuitry periodically sending and receivingtest messages to show that the deposit accepting device is in operativecommunication with the other machine components with which it needs tocommunicate. The circuitry of the deposit accepting device may beoperative to determine when a loss of such communication has occurred.

The control circuitry may also be operative to monitor the power levelthat is available to the control circuitry on the deposit acceptingdevice. The circuitry may be operative to determine that the powersupplied is not within an acceptable range and may produce signalsindicative thereof.

Likewise exemplary embodiments may include sensors or other detectioncapabilities that are operative to determine malfunctions of drives,circuitry or other hardware or electronic components that are includedin the deposit accepting device. The circuitry may be operative toprovide signals indicative of each such respective condition.

It should be understood that these conditions described in connectionwith the exemplary embodiment are merely examples of some of the typesof conditions that may be determined through operation of controlcircuitry of the deposit accepting device. Other embodiments may provideother or additional capabilities for detecting conditions of the device.

In the exemplary embodiment control circuitry is also operative togenerate at least one signal that corresponds to the condition when thedeposit accepting device is in a condition to process checks. In theexemplary embodiment the control circuitry is operative to provide avisual signal through the visual indicators which is indicative of thiscondition. For example in some exemplary embodiments the controlcircuitry may cause the output of a continuous green LED light when thedeposit accepting device is ready to operate to process checks.

In some exemplary embodiments the visual indicators may have LEDs incolors such as red and yellow in addition to green. The conditions thatare sensed through operation of the control circuitry may causedistinctive combinations of the red, yellow and green lights from theLEDs to be output that correspond to each given condition. Alternativelyor in addition, in some embodiments the LEDs may output flash sequencesin which the LEDs illuminate and are on and off in a distinctive patternwhich corresponds to the particular condition sensed. In addition inexemplary embodiments the visual indicators may be operative to provideoutputs that correspond to a plurality of conditions which render thedeposit accepting device inoperative. The visual indications associatedwith these multiple conditions may be output sequentially during a giventime interval from the visual indicators. Of course these approaches aremerely exemplary.

As can be appreciated these features enable a servicer who has openedthe door of the housing to observe the outputs from one or more of thevisual indicators. By viewing these outputs the servicer is very quicklyable to determine that there is a condition causing a malfunction of thedeposit accepting device. Further the outputs from the visual indicatorsmay quickly indicate to the servicer the nature of such a malfunction.Likewise the visual indicators may be helpful to a servicer who isplacing a machine back in service. For example if the servicer hasfailed to close all of the necessary latches on the device or has notmoved the device back into the proper position, the servicer will beapprised of this by the outputs from the visual indicators. This way theservicer may remedy the condition before proceeding further in anattempt to put the machine back into service. Of course these approachesare exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

A further feature of some exemplary embodiments of automated bankingmachines that facilitate servicing is a capability to provide a visualrepresentation of the deposit accepting device to the servicer. Thevisual representation is output responsive to instructions executed byat least one processor of the machine. Such a visual representation maybe output through a display screen of the automated banking machineresponsive to inputs through input devices from a servicer that areoperative to put the machine in one or more diagnostic conditions. Sucha visual representation of the deposit accepting device is indicated 946in FIG. 84. In the exemplary embodiment the visual representation of thedeposit accepting device includes visual representations of thecomponents which make up the device. These include visualrepresentations of sheet sensors for example included in the device. Inthe exemplary embodiment the visual representations of sheet sensors areoperative to change appearance to indicate the sensing of a sheet by thesensor. The sheet sensors are also operative in the exemplary embodimentto change conditions to indicate time periods during which a sheetsensor senses a sheet adjacent thereto during a sheet processingtransaction. An exemplary sheet sensor is indicated 948 in FIG. 84.

In the exemplary embodiment a visual representation is also included inthe visual representation of the deposit accepting device of thediverter gates. The visual representations also include an indication ofthe position of each of the diverter gates. As represented in FIG. 84,visual representation 950 corresponds to diverter gate 896. Likewisevisual representation 952 corresponds to diverter gate 892, and visualrepresentation 956 corresponds to the diverter gate that is operative todirect sheets returning to the sheet access area.

In the exemplary embodiment a visual representation of the sheet storageand retrieval device 902 is represented by 958. In the visualrepresentation storage device 894 is represented in the visualrepresentation as 960. The visual representation of the storage area 900is also represented as 962. It should be noted that in the exemplaryembodiment each of the visual representations corresponding to the sheetstorage and retrieval device, the storage device and the storage areaeach include a numerical indication which represents the number ofsheets currently stored therein. Such information may be useful to aservicer in knowing how many sheets are currently in the various areasof the deposit accepting device. Further the visual representation ofthe sheet access area 964 also includes numerical indicators whichindicate the number of sheets located above and below the divider plate.

Further in the exemplary embodiment the visual representations includerepresentations of the transports which are also referred to herein assheet moving devices that are operative to move sheets within thedeposit accepting device. The visual representation of one transport isindicated 966 in FIG. 84. In the exemplary embodiment the visualrepresentation that is output on the display is operative to indicatewhen transport belts operate during sheet processing, and also indicatethe direction of the transport belt movement during such sheetprocessing. This helps to indicate to a servicer which way the varioustransports and other items are moving at a given time during theprocessing of a sheet. Further in exemplary embodiments the at least oneprocessor which causes the visual output corresponding to the depositaccepting device is also operative to provide an indication of alocation of a sheet during processing. This visual representationrepresented 967 in FIG. 84, may in some embodiments correspond to theposition of a sheet as determined through operation of the at least oneprocessor based on signals from the various sensors included in thedeposit accepting device. This visual representation of the sheet movesin the visual representation of the deposit accepting device to show aservicer a location of a sheet at various times during a sheetprocessing transaction.

In still other embodiments an automated banking machine may includesensors which enable the machine to determine the movement of each sheetadjacent to a particular point in a sheet path. This may include forexample determining the displacement of the sheet relative to a givenpoint in the sheet path. Alternatively or in addition, it may alsoinclude determining the instantaneous velocity of the sheet as it passesa particular sensor. This provides the capability of knowing how far asheet has actually moved during a given time period or during aparticular machine operation. This may be helpful, for example, innumerous analysis and diagnostic activities. As previously discussedsuch sensors may be useful in determining magnetic characters or othercharacters on a sheet. Such sensing may also be helpful in determiningthat a sheet is moving in a particular direction or at a velocity thatmay differ from the sheet moving device with which it is engaged. Ofcourse there are other numerous uses for such information infacilitating the operation and diagnosis of conditions and malfunctionsautomated banking machines. FIG. 85 shows exemplary devices fordetermining sheet movement while a sheet is adjacent to a sensor in asheet path. It should be understood that the sheet path may extend in adeposit accepting device such as a check acceptor, bill acceptor, sheetacceptor or bill recycler. Alternatively the sheet path may extend in acurrency dispenser (including, for example, a bill recycler thatoperates to dispense currency bills). Further it should be understoodthat multiple types of sensing arrangements that are operative to sensesheet movement adjacent to a given sensor may be included within adeposit accepting device or a cash dispenser.

FIG. 85 shows a sheet 969. Sheet 969 moves along a sheet path generallyindicated by arrows 970. An emitter 972 is operative to emit radiationsuch as visible or nonvisible light. The radiation from the emitter 972is received by an image sensor 974. The image sensor of the exemplaryembodiment is operative to produce data corresponding to a plurality ofdisposed images of the sheet moving in the sheet path. In some exemplaryembodiments the image sensor may comprise one or more complementarymetal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensors. Alternatively in otherembodiments the imaging sensor may include one or more charge coupledevice (CCD) sensors.

In the exemplary embodiment the image sensor produces data correspondingto an image of the surface features of the sheet approximately fifteenhundred times each second. The image sensor 974 is in operativeconnection with one or more image data processors 976. In the exemplaryembodiment the image data processor includes one or more digital signalprocessors (DSP). The image data processor is operative to analyze theplurality of image data frames from the image sensor to identify howfeatures detected on the sheet have moved relative to one or morepreceding images. Through analysis of the image data, the image dataprocessor 976 is operative to determine movement data which correspondsto movement of the sheet while it is being sensed by the image sensor.Thus unlike a presence detecting sensor which detects only the presenceor absence of a sheet adjacent to a particular point in the sheet path,the exemplary image sensor is operative to provide information that isnot only indicative of the presence of a sheet, but also how that sheethas moved and is currently moving. This includes information such asdirection, velocity, distance, acceleration, deceleration and the like.Further as can be appreciated, an image sensor arrangement isparticularly useful where a sheet may be detected as moving indirections that may not be aligned with the sheet path. This includesfor example situations where a sheet may be deliberately movedtransversely for purposes of alignment, where sheets are moved tocorrect for skew or other conditions. Of course these approaches areexemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

As indicated schematically in FIG. 85, the movement data for a sheetbeing sensed through operation of the image sensor is delivered in theexemplary embodiment from the at least one image data processor to theterminal processor of the banking machine schematically indicated 978.In the exemplary embodiment the terminal processor includes the one ormore computers or processors that are operative to cause operation ofcomponents of the automated banking machine in the conduct oftransactions. This may include for example, causing the operation of oneor more components of the deposit accepting device, the cash dispenseror other devices through which the sheet path extends. The terminalprocessor 978 is in operative connection with one or more data stores980. Data store 980 includes data corresponding to computer executableinstructions that are executed and cause the operation of at least onecomponent of the device through which the sheet path extends, responsiveto the sheet movement data. As a result the terminal processor inresponse to the movement data, causes operation of components such asdiverter gates, printers, motors, sheet moving devices such astransports, or other apparatus in a manner which conforms to the sheetmovement data.

By way of example, the movement data may be used to coordinate the speedof an adjacent sheet transport so it conforms to the speed of the sheetas it is delivered thereto. Alternatively the movement data may be usedto cause the operation of a gate so as to direct a sheet to anappropriate position or location. This may include for example a gatewhich is operative to direct the sheet that is moving in the onedirection to a particular path or position, and not so direct a sheetthat is moving in the opposite direction. Likewise and by way ofexample, the velocity of a sheet may be used by at least one processorto coordinate printing activity to assure that printed characters areformed properly regardless of the then current particular velocity ofthe sheet. Of course, these are but some examples of components withindeposit accepting devices, cash dispensers or other items of anautomated banking machine that may be operated or may be controlled inresponse to the movement data.

In some embodiments the data store 980 may operate to store datacorresponding to the movement of each sheet. Further the data storeresponsive to operation of the terminal processor may store datacorresponding to movement of a plurality of sheets. By storing the datacorresponding to movements of a plurality of sheets, such data may beused for purposes of analyzing the operation of the device through whichthe sheet path extends. For example data regarding sheet movement can bestored and reviewed for purposes of determining the operation of thedeposit accepting device or other device. Further such data andvariations therein from sheet to sheet may also be studied and analyzedthrough operation of the terminal processor or other processor forpossible operational trends or characteristics of the device.

The stored data regarding sheet movement may be utilized in conjunctionwith systems of the incorporated disclosures to provide data that can beanalyzed to obtain operational information. Such operational informationmay be used to predict a future need for service to a device that iscurrently normally operational in the machine. For example stored dataregarding sheet movement which indicates a trend toward a change invelocity of the sheets, may be indicative of a developing problem whichwithin a generally predictable future time frame will necessitate a needfor service. As discussed in the incorporated disclosure, suchinformation may be used by one or more operationally connected computersystems to schedule servicing the machine before there is a deviationfrom suitable normal operation, and avoid a malfunction which causes themachine to be out of service. Of course these approaches are exemplary.

FIG. 86 shows an alternative embodiment of devices which may be used inautomated banking machines for purposes of determining sheet movement.In this alternative embodiment a sheet 982 is movable in a sheet pathschematically indicated 94. An emitter 986 produces radiation that isreflected from the sheet and sensed by an Imaging sensor 988. In thisalternative embodiment the image sensor 988 includes a plurality ofsensors 990, 992. Sensor 990 and 992 are operative to produce image datacorresponding to a plurality of images corresponding to areas that aredisposed on a sheet. Each of the sensors 990,992 is operative to outputtheir respective image data to a respective image data processor 994,996. Each image data processor comprises a digital signal processor ofthe type previously described or other suitable processor. Further itshould be understood that while each sensor is shown providing the imagedata to a respective digital signal processor, in other embodiments asingle processor or different processors arrangements may be used.

Each of the image data processors is operative to output movement datacorresponding to movement of the respective sensed area of the sheet.This data is delivered to a terminal processor 998. The terminalprocessor 998 is in operative connection with at least one data storeschematically indicated 1000. In the exemplary embodiment the terminalprocessor may operate to perform functions in accordance with itsprogramming in a manner like that described in connection with terminalprocessor 978. Of course these approaches are exemplary and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment the terminal processor 998 is operative toreceive movement data corresponding to the disposed areas on the sheet982. The terminal processor 998 operates in accordance with itsprogramming to compare the movement data from the disposed areas forpurposes of determining sheet movement. In some embodiments the terminalprocessor 998 may operate to compare the displacement and direction ofthe sheet movement signals and combine them for purposes of determiningoverall sheet movement. Alternatively or in addition, the processor mayoperate in accordance with its programming to analyze the movement datafor abnormal conditions such as relative transverse movement of areas onthe sheet which may indicate skewing, jamming, tearing or other abnormalconditions. In response to detecting such abnormal conditions the atleast one processor may operate in accordance with its programming totake corrective action such as to reverse sheet direction, align thesheet or take other steps to prevent undesirable effects of impropersheet movement. Of course these approaches are exemplary and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

In some exemplary embodiments the image sensor may be of the single chiptype such as that commercially available from OPDI Technologies ofDenmark. Alternatively in other embodiments other combinations ofcomponents may be used to accomplish the features and functions asdescribed herein.

In the exemplary embodiment a servicer who has placed the machine indiagnostic mode may operate the machine to have the deposit acceptingdevice process test sheets. These may include for example simulatedchecks with sample data thereon. Alternatively other types of testsheets may be used. The user may insert the test sheets into the depositaccepting device and observe the operation of the device as each of thetest sheets is processed. Further the technician may also observe theoutputs through the display which include the visual representation ofthe deposit accepting device. This visual representation provides theservicer with an indication of a sensed input and the actions taken bythe deposit accepting device in processing the sheet. By observing theexemplary visual representation of the deposit accepting device theservicer is enabled to identify components of the deposit acceptingdevice that may not be operating property. This function may beparticularly useful for detecting intermittent problems that do notconsistently appear for every sheet.

In some embodiments at least one processor in operative connection withthe deposit accepting device is operative to store data corresponding tothe conditions and operational output signals associated with processinga sheet, in at least one data store of the machine. The servicer maythen use the stored data to cause visual representations to be outputthrough the display which shows the conditions of the various sensorsand devices of the device during one or more previous sheet processingtransactions. Further, responsive to inputs from a servicer to themachine the at least one processor of some exemplary embodiments isoperative to stop, reverse and/or replay the operation data. Thisenables a servicer to see the visible outputs corresponding to the sheetprocessing transaction repeatedly through the display. This may enablethe servicer to observe problems that might not be readily apparent in asingle viewing of the display.

Further in some exemplary embodiments the at least one processor isoperative responsive to inputs from a servicer to provide the visualrepresentation through the display in other than real time. Thus forexample the display corresponding to the movement of a sheet in thedevice during a sheet processing transaction may be output in slowmotion. This may further facilitate the servicer being able to observepotential problems and malfunctions that have occurred at the machine.

In some exemplary embodiments at least one processor in the machine maystore data in a data store corresponding to multiple sheet processingtransactions which occur during normal operation of the machine. Thisstored data enables a servicer to have access to operation dataassociated with the deposit accepting device for numerous priortransactions including a most recent sheet processing operation duringwhich a malfunction occurred. The ability to use this data to producevisual representations of each sheet processing transaction on thedisplay enables a servicer to analyze what may have occurred thatresulted in a malfunction. Of course these approaches are exemplary andin other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In still other exemplary automated banking machines the datacorresponding to the operation of the deposit accepting device may betransmitted from the automated banking machine to a remote computer.This operation data may include for example, data corresponding toinputs sensed during sheet processing transactions by the varioussensors in the device. Such operation data may also include outputoperation data. The output operation data may include signalscorresponding to the outputs that the deposit accepting device generatedto operate components of the device during the sheet processingtransactions. In still other embodiments the data transmitted mayinclude instruction data which corresponds to operating instructions inthe machine that cause the device to operate.

In some exemplary embodiments at least one processor in the machine maybe operative to store data corresponding to the operation data oncomputer readable media. This may include for example storing the dataon a CD, flash drive or other media from which the operation data may beread by a computer. Alternatively or in addition the automated bankingmachine may operate so as to communicate operation data from the machinethrough a remote computer. This may be done in the manner described inthe incorporated disclosures.

In some embodiments the operation data may be useful when diagnosingproblems that exist at the machine. For example the operation data maybe used remotely from the machine to operate a deposit accepting deviceor a test bed form of such a device to determine how the operationaldata causes the test device to perform. This may be done for example byproviding the input operational data from the deposit accepting devicein the automated banking machine, to the test deposit accepting device.In this way the test device may receive the same inputs as the device inthe machine did based on the signals from the various sensors. Byproviding these inputs to the test device, observations may then be madeas to how the test device operates. Alternatively in some embodimentsthe test bed device may be operated with the instruction data sent fromthe remote machine to compare the operation with such instructions tooperation with standard programming instructions. Operation of the testdevice may be indicative of problems at the banking machine.Alternatively or in addition the test device may also be in operativeconnection with a display or other output device so that a techniciancan observe visual representations of the operation of the devicesincluded in the test device.

Further in some embodiments at least one computer in operativeconnection with the test device may operate to compare the outputsignals that were generated by the deposit accepting device in theautomated banking machine and the output signals that are generated bythe test deposit accepting device in response to the input signals thatwere provided from the deposit accepting device in the machine. The atleast one computer may operate to compare these output signals toidentify any variances. These variances cause outputs to the at leastone technician through a display or other output device which areindicative of a deficiency in the banking machine. By observing thesevariances and the nature of the differences, the at least one technician(and/or in some embodiments analysis software in the computer) may beable to identify how the deposit accepting device in the automatedbanking machine is not performing in the normal manner.

Further in some exemplary embodiments the test deposit accepting devicemay be operated to conduct a sheet processing transaction. The inputsand the outputs which are generated during such a sheet processingtransaction on the test device may be compared through operation of atleast one computer to the corresponding operational data generated bythe deposit accepting device in the automated banking machine. The atleast one computer associated with the test device may thereaftercompare the signals, timing and other aspects of the operation data fromthe two devices so as to identify differences and to provide outputs toa technician which identify the nature of those differences and/orpossible deficiencies with the device in the automated banking machine.

Further in some exemplary embodiments the operational data from theautomated banking machine and the operational data from the test devicemay be used to produce visual representations or other outputs that canbe observed by a technician for purposes of comparison and diagnosis.This may be done by providing outputs through the display screen orother suitable devices. For example visual representations of thedevices may be output in adjacent relation on one or more displayscreens so that the differences in operational characteristics can beobserved. This may include for example comparing the operational outputsof the test device in response to the sensor inputs recorded at themachine to the outputs produced by the deposit accepting device in theautomated banking machine. Further such visual outputs may be replayed,run at different speeds, reversed or otherwise analyzed in numerousdifferent ways so as to identify deficiencies.

In still other embodiments the risk of undesirable conditions andimprovements in the operation of devices can be accomplished throughtesting and simulated operation of a deposit accepting device in anautomated banking machine. In some exemplary embodiments the simulatedtesting may be facilitated by use of a system like that shownschematically in FIG. 87. In this exemplary embodiment such simulatedtesting of a deposit accepting device is performed to simulate theoperation of the device with used or even damaged sheets. Such used ordamaged sheets may be more representative of the types of worn, folded,ripped, crinkled or otherwise damaged sheets that a deposit acceptingdevice is required to process during operational conditions.

In this exemplary embodiment a plurality of used sheets of various typesare collected. Such used sheets may be in various states of wear ordamage which are representative of actual sheets of that type which maybe encountered within a general population of sheets that the sheetaccepting device is required to process. An example of such a used sheetis represented by sheet 1002 shown in FIG. 87. It should be understoodthat in various embodiments sheet 1002 may be a currency sheet that hasbeen folded, torn, crinkled, abraded, soiled, washed or otherwisesubject to the types of conditions to which sheets are occasionallysubjected. Alternatively in other embodiments sheet 1002 may be afinancial check or other type of sheet that has been subject to variousless than optimum conditions.

In the exemplary embodiment a three-dimensional scan is conducted of thesheet. Such a three-dimensional scan is produced by scanning each sideof the sheet through scanning sensors 1004, 1006. It should beunderstood that in the exemplary embodiment the scanning sensors aresuitable 3D scanning sensors that are operative to sense the contours ofeach side of the sheet without making contact therewith that changes thenatural contours of the damaged sheet. For example in some embodimentstriangulation 3D laser scanning sensors or structured light 3D scannerssuch as multi-stripe laser triangulation may be used. Alternatively inother embodiments conoscopic holography, stereoscopic, photometric orother suitable scanners for capturing surface contour in threedimensions may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment each of the scanning sensors is operatedresponsive to a respective processor 1008, 1010 to capture datacorresponding to the surface contour of each side of the sheet. Thecontour data for the given sheet is correlated and combined so as toproduce data corresponding to a three-dimensional representation of thesheet through operation of a processor 1012. The processor 1012 operatesto store the data corresponding to the three-dimensional scan of therespective sheet in at least one data store 1014.

At least one computer 1016 is in operative connection with a userinterface 1018. The user interface 1018 is operative to allow a user toprovide the input of sheet parameters for the given sheet for which athree-dimensional scan is taken. Such inputs can be provided through akeyboard, mouse or other suitable device. This can include for examplethe input of sheet parameters such as one or more of sheet density,stiffness, thickness, length, width, coefficient and friction, intagliosurface variation, or other parameters which describe properties of thesheet. This sheet parameter data may be taken via direct measurement orthrough input of known standardized sheet properties related to theparticular type of sheet. These sheet parameters are stored inassociation with the three-dimensional scan data for the sheet in the atleast one data store 1014. Alternatively or in addition such sheet dataand/or scan data may be stored in one or more data stores 1018 inoperative connection with computer 1016.

In an exemplary embodiment the process for the taking ofthree-dimensional scans and the input and correlation with sheetparameter data is repeated for a plurality of sheets. This plurality mayinclude numerous used sheets which exhibit conditions corresponding touse and abuse. As can be appreciated, data corresponding to a largenumber of used sheets may be accumulated in one or more data stores soas to include data corresponding to numerous different types ofconditions that may be encountered by a deposit accepting device inprocessing sheets when the device is in uncontrolled operatingenvironments.

In the exemplary embodiment the at least one computer includes in the atleast one data store 1018, data corresponding to device data whichcorresponds to a deposit accepting device. This device data includesdata that corresponds to operational properties of the deposit acceptingdevice. In exemplary embodiments this includes, for example, datarelated to sheet moving devices which sheets encounter in the depositaccepting device. This may include various transports or other types ofsheet moving devices within the deposit accepting device. This caninclude for example, one or more parameters for each such sheet movingdevice such as speed, coefficient of friction of belts or rollersengaging the sheet, durometer values, density values, area of sheetengagement or other values that define the properties associated withsheet moving devices of the deposit accepting device.

In the exemplary embodiment the at least one data store 1018 alsoincludes instruction data. This includes data corresponding to thecomputer executable instructions which cause the operation of thedeposit accepting device within an automated banking machine. This mayinclude in some embodiments configurable parameters which are set for adeposit accepting device. In other embodiments it may include some orall of the computer executable instructions of an automated bankingmachine that cause the machine to operate. Further in some exemplaryembodiments as schematically represented in FIG. 87, computer 1016 maybe in operative connection with one or more automated banking machines1020 through one or more networks 1022. In some embodiments the computer1016 may be operative to receive downloaded instruction data directlyfrom the automated banking machine so as to assure that the instructiondata in the at least one data store 1018 corresponds to the operatinginstructions that cause operation of the deposit accepting device andthat are executed by the terminal processor of the actual automatedbanking machine or machines that are associated with the system. Ofcourse these approaches are exemplary.

In operation of the exemplary embodiment, the computer 1016 is operativeresponsive to the device data, the instruction data and the sheet datafor the numerous types of sheets stored in the at least one data store,to operate to simulate movement of each such used sheet in the depositaccepting device. In such exemplary embodiments the computer operates tocarry out instructions that simulate and predict how sheetscorresponding to the sheet data including the three-dimensional scansand the other associated stored sheet parameters would be moved andprocessed by the sheet moving devices in the automated banking machine.This may be accomplished through operation in the computer 1016, ofsimulation software such as Recurdyn Software that is commerciallyavailable from FunctionBay Inc. of Korea. Of course this approach isexemplary and in other embodiments other types of software which areoperative to simulate the actions of the particular sheet moving devicesacting on the sheets having the features and properties corresponding tothe sheet data, may be used.

The at least one computer in operating to simulate movement of each usedsheet in the deposit accepting device, stores in the at least one datastore, data that corresponds to the movement of each sheet. The at leastone computer is also programmed to identify undesirable conditions whichmay be detected in the course of the simulated processing of the sheetdata. Such undesirable conditions may include for example, situationswhere the computer determines that sheets with the propertiescorresponding to the sheet data would skew, tear, stall, jam orotherwise not be adequately processed through operation of the depositaccepting device.

As can be appreciated the computer 1060 may operate to cause thesimulation of moving each of the sheets for which sheet data isavailable with the sheet moving devices in different ways and underdifferent conditions. This may include for example changing thesimulation to account for conditions such as changes in humidity,temperature, speed or other parameters that change in the operation ofthe deposit accepting device in a real world environment, and which canbe included as a part of the simulation.

Based on determining and storing data regarding undesirable conditions,the computer 1016 may on a programmed basis or in response to user inputinformation through the user interface 1018, operate to test changes tothe instruction data to modify the simulation. Thus for example, thecomputer may operate to change operational aspects of the depositaccepting device during a simulation to determine whether such changeswill reduce the risk of undesirable conditions. In this way the computercan determine ways of changing the instruction data so as to achievemore desirable operation.

Alternatively or in addition, the computer 1016 may operate in responseto programmed instructions and/or user inputs to change one or moredevice parameters associated with the device data and to conductsimulations with the changed device data. In this way the at least onecomputer may also test possible changes in design or materials ofcomponents of the sheet moving devices in the deposit accepting device.As a result the at least one computer may also develop datacorresponding to design changes to the deposit accepting device whichmay be implemented to reduce undesirable conditions in the processing ofsheets. Of course these approaches are exemplary and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

In exemplary systems the data regarding changes produced throughoperation of the computer may be tested on various test beds or otherdevices to determine whether the changes in instruction data and/ordevice data that appear desirable in a simulation, when implemented inan actual deposit accepting device, improve the operational propertiesthereof. Alternatively or in addition the changed instruction data whichcorresponds to changes in programming and/or configuration may betransmitted from the computer 1016 to the one or more terminal datastores in automated banking machines 1020 operatively connected to thesystem. In this way changes in operating instructions for the depositaccepting devices which cause the movement of sheets in engagement withthe sheet moving devices can be implemented in each of the bankingmachines. Further in still other embodiments, data from automatedbanking machines may be transmitted to the computer 1016 to modify thesimulation programs and/or to facilitate the testing and analysis of theoperation of the deposit accepting devices by improving the associatedsimulation and processing of sheets.

Another exemplary embodiment is directed to a system that accepts astack of unidentified sheets, which may comprise a mixture of bills andchecks. The system unstacks each sheet, analyzes each unstacked sheet,and then makes a preliminary determination of whether the unstackedsheet is a financial check or a currency bill. That is, the exemplarysystem includes a check/cash discriminator that can discriminate betweena currency bill and a financial check.

In an exemplary embodiment the discriminator is located in an automatedbanking machine. The machine can receive the mixed stack from a machineuser (e.g., a customer). The mixed stack can be received into themachine through a single opening in a machine housing while remaining inthe form of a single stack.

FIG. 88 shows an example of an automated banking machine 1030 thatincludes a check/cash discriminator. The machine 1030 includes a userinterface 1032 which can include input devices 1034 such as a keypad1036, function keys 1038, a card reader 1040, and biometric input device1042. The user interface also includes output devices 1044, such as adisplay device 1046. Also shown are a receipt printer 1048, a statementprinter 1050, a cash dispenser 1052, a depository mechanism 1054, andtransaction function devices 1056.

Based on the determined identity of the unstacked sheet (i.e., acurrency bill or a financial check), the sheet can then be handleddifferently. For example, in an exemplary embodiment the system directsa financial check to a financial check validator. The system directs acurrency bill to a currency bill validator. The financial checkvalidator and the currency bill validator can be located in respectivedifferent transport paths. The financial check validator can includereaders and/or sensors that involve check properties. These checkproperties are different from the bill properties used by the readersand/or sensors included in the currency bill validator. Thus, thereaders and/or sensors in a check validator can be structurally andfunctionally different from the readers and/or sensors in a billvalidator.

In an exemplary embodiment, the check/cash discriminator provides adetermination of whether a sheet is likely a currency bill or afinancial check based on an amount of indicia that is sensed from thesheet. Cameras can be used to capture (or sense) visible indicia on thesheet as it moves relative to the cameras. The cameras can be arrangedto move past the sheet. Alternatively, the sheet can be moved (in asheet path) past the stationary cameras. For example, a respectivecamera can be placed on each (upper/lower) side of the sheet path. Thecameras generate images. One or more computers (processors) analyzethese images in making a determination (deciding) whether the sheet is abill or a check.

The determination can be based on the fact that a currency bill (incomparison to a check) will have much more indicia on both of its sides.A currency note may have watermarks, embossing, a portrait, etc. Incontrast, checks will have different indicia. For example, the frontside (or top) of a check may have micr line characters, a courtesyamount, a legal amount, a date, an address, a name, and a payorsignature. The rear side of the check may have a payee signature. Checkswill also have more indicia on a first side (the front side of thecheck) than on the back (rear) side of the check. A check will normallyhave very little indicia on its back side. The back side of a checktypically contains only the endorsement signature.

FIG. 89 shows an example of the front side of a check 1060. The checkhas a payee name 1062, a date 1064, a written amount 1066, a courtesyamount 1068, a check number 1070, micr line data 1072, addressinformation 1074, and a payor signature 1076. FIG. 90 shows the rearside of the check 1060, which includes the signature 1078 of the payee.

FIG. 91 shows an example of a face of a currency note 1080. The noteincludes a portrait 1082, serial numbers 1084, 1086, seals 1088, 1090,and indication of the cash value 1092, 1093. Wear creases 1094 are alsorepresented. Also shown are note corners 1096, 1098 that may be usedduring analysis.

An analysis of a sheet can involve reviewing both sides or only one sideof the sheet. The analysis can also involve reverse logic. Analysis onlyneeds to be performed one way. For example, an analysis can be made onwhether the sheet corresponds to a check. If the result is negative thenthe sheet is determined to be a currency bill. Likewise, the review mayonly look for a bill. If a critiqued sheet does not fit thecharacteristics of a bill, then it is concluded that the sheet is acheck.

FIG. 92 shows an arrangement that includes an unidentified sheet 1100,cameras 1102, 1104, 1106, and 1108, a computer 1110, and a data store1112.

The computer can compare the relative amounts of indicia sensed by thecameras on the front and back side of each sheet. From this comparisonthe computer can make a decision whether a passing sheet is a bill or acheck. A sheet type decision can be made from the total amount ofvisible indicia sensed (or captured) from both sides of the sheet. Theamount of indicia can be compared against an amount designating a checkand/or an amount designating a currency bill. A known amount threshold,standard, ratio, and/or template can be used by the computer in makingthe determination. One or more computer programs and algorithms can alsobe used. Other decision factors involved with probability, statistics,etc. can additionally be used. As a result, an accurate decision can bemade whether an inspected (reviewed) sheet is a bill or a check.

Following the step of deciding whether a sheet is a bill or a check, thenext step is determining whether the bill or check meets the criteria ofa genuine bill or check, which then allows for the bill or check to beaccepted in a transaction. The validity of the bill or check can be madethrough use of either a currency bill validator or a financial checkvalidator. A sheet determined to be a bill would be sent to the currencybill validator, whereas a sheet determined to be a check would be sentto the financial check validator. Based on validator operation, thesheet (bill or check) can be accepted or rejected. A sheet rejected bythe validator can be returned to a user. Alternatively, a rejected sheet(e.g., a counterfeit note) may be kept in a secure storage compartmentor container. Furthermore, a rejected sheet may further (or again) beanalyzed under different (reading or sensing) conditions (e.g., themoving speed of the sheet, the orientation of the sheet, etc.).

In the exemplary embodiment the decision regarding the sheet type can bemade regardless of whether the sheet is actually a genuine bill or agenuine check. This arrangement allows for faster processing of a mixedstack. As previously discussed, validation of a genuine item can followthe decision on sheet type. A sheet not meeting the check/cashdiscriminator's criteria for either a bill or check may also be returnedto a user (or kept for storage). The system allows for not passing on tothe appropriate validator, a sheet that is neither a bill nor a check.

As previously discussed, a check will normally have very little (or no)indicia on its back side. Thus, the exemplary processing arrangementalso allows for a determination to be made on whether any of the camerascaptured (sensed) a small amount of indicia. If the one or more imagesfrom a particular camera totals a (relatively) low amount of indicia,then this would indicate to the computer that the camera imaged the backside of a check. Thus, the computer could identify the sheet as a check.If neither side of the sheet comprises an amount of indicia whichcorresponds to a low amount level (or range), then the computer couldidentify the sheet as a currency bill (note). This processingarrangement allows the computer to identify the sheet without a need forweighing (or comparing) the total amount of indicia sensed on both thefront and back sides of the sheet against an expected total threshold,in a manner as previously discussed.

As previously discussed, cameras can be used in exemplary embodiments.In alternative exemplary embodiments a CMOS sensor can be used insteadof a camera. The CMOS sensor can be of the type of sensor that is usedin a computer mouse. It can take many images at a rapid pace. Thecomputer can determine the amount of indicia passing relative to theCMOS sensor. Again, either the sheet or the CMOS sensor can be the itemthat is put in motion. One or more CMOS sensors can be arranged to sensea sheet side. That is, for each respective sheet side, several sensorscan be positionally designated.

CMOS sensors can be used in the manner that cameras were used inpreviously discussed embodiments. Thus, CMOS sensors can be used in anembodiment in which a total amount of indica is analyzed in the sheettype determination process. CMOS sensors can also be used in anembodiment in which a search for a lack of indicia (indicative of acheck) is employed in the determination process.

In another exemplary embodiment, the check/cash discriminator provides adetermination of whether a sheet is likely a currency bill or afinancial check based on the texture of the sheet. Currency bills andfinancial checks are typically formed of paper. In the U.S., currencybills normally have greater changes in texture over the length of thebill in comparison to a financial check. That is, the tactile qualityover the length of the outer surface of a bill is less consistent. Thecharacteristic physical structure of the interwoven or intertwinedthreads, strands, etc. that make up the textile fabric of the bill cancreate a courser texture in comparison to the texture of a check. Acurrency note may also have watermarks, security threads, embossing,relief features, etc. that cause the bill to have a surface topographythat differs from a check. In the exemplary embodiment, sensors are usedthat can sense the texture of a paper sheet.

The exemplary arrangement allows for use of contact sensors that candetect texture through actual contact with the sheet. The contact can becarried out through use of a relatively small needle, rolling ball, ski,or other device. The small contact point is caused to vibrate (oroscillate) in response to the (changing rough/smooth) texture of thepassing sheet. The device may be operated in a manner similar to aphonograph needle or a seismic sensor graphing (motion) arm. Thevibration detected may be very small (minuscule or minute).

As previously noted, in comparison to a check, a currency bill normallyhas greater changes (peaks and valleys) its paper texture. Thus, in theexemplary arrangement currency bills are deemed to have much greatervibrational properties over the length of the bill than a (smooth)check, because of the (rougher) texture (outer surface) of the currencybill. The exemplary embodiment uses the level of vibration produced bysensor contact with the passing sheet to be indicative of whether thesheet is a check or a currency bill. A high level (amount) of sensedvibration would reflect a currency bill, whereas a low level of sensedvibration would reflect a check. In a manner previously discussed, a(large) total amount of (vibration) sensing (e.g., involving both sheetsides) can be used to distinguish between a bill and a check, oralternatively a small amount of sensing (e.g., involving a single sheetside) can be used in the distinguishing.

FIG. 93 shows a sensing arrangement that includes an unidentified sheet1114 and contact sensors 1116, 1118.

The contact sensor can be in connection with suitable amplifyingcircuitry so as to provide an analog output signal. The analog outputcan be integrated over the passing time of the sheet, and then becompared to one or more thresholds to determine whether sheet was a billor a check. Alternatively, the analog output can be converted to adigital signal through an analog/digital (A/D) converter. The outputfrom the A/D converter can be integrated over the passing length of thesheet for purposes of comparison to a threshold. In using this contactsensor approach, the signals over all (or a portion of one or bothsides) of the particular sheet can be used to make the determinationregarding the type of sheet present.

The exemplary arrangement also allows for use of non-contact sensors todetect sheet texture. The arrangement can use light reflected from asheet surface to determine surface texture of a sheet. For example, thelaser can be a pinpoint type laser which reflects radiation in a mannerthat indicates whether the textured character of the sheet correspondsto a bill or a check. A laser arrangement can be operated in a mannersimilar to laser reading of data marks from a CD, except that datarepresentative of sheet texture is being read (or calculated).

FIG. 94 shows a sensing arrangement that includes an unidentified sheet1120 and a lasers 1122, 1124.

Like a fingerprint or biometric feature, a sheet's outer surface has itsown unique texture (or pattern or topography). A laser can be used toread an original sheet's unique surface texture. The texture may beanalyzed at the microscopic level. The unique texture can be the resultof microscopic randomness. This unique surface texture data can then bestored (e.g., as data representing a pattern, graph, chart, digits, atopography map, etc.) in a data store.

To determine whether a newly received sheet (document) is the actualoriginal sheet, a laser beam(s) can be used to read the unique surfacetexture of the received sheet. A computer can then be used to comparethe received sheet's unique surface texture to the stored surfacetexture data. That is, the computer can cross reference laser readunique texture prints with other texture print information in databases. If the computer determines that the compared texture datasubstantially matches, then the computer can authenticate the receivedsheet as the original sheet.

As can be seen, the arrangement provides for an additional way to detectcounterfeit documents, such as currency bills. Thus, the arrangement canbe used in a validator of an exemplary embodiment. As previouslydiscussed, the use of a validation (or authentication) process may notbe necessary in (or for purposes of) the check/cash discriminatorprocess. However, bills and checks normally comprise different types ofpaper material. As a result, all U.S. bills will have a generallysimilar surface (bill) texture. Checks will have a similar surface(check) texture. The bill texture will differ from the check texture.Data corresponding to bill texture and check texture can be stored in adata store. The laser sensing arrangement (which includes a computer inoperative connection with the laser and the data store) will be able todetect this difference, which may be at the microscopic level. Thereturned (reflected) laser light signals from one or both sides of asheet under review are indicative of different paper textures (billpaper vs. check paper). Thus, the laser sensing arrangement can be usedto determine whether the read surface texture of a sheet corresponds toa currency bill sheet or a financial check sheet.

In other embodiments other types of non-contact sensors can be used todetect sheet texture or contour. For example, 3D scanning sensors can beused to sense the contours of each side of the sheet without makingcontact therewith. Alternative embodiments can include the use ofconoscopic holography, stereoscopic, photometric, or other suitablescanners for use in analyzing a sheet's surface contour or texture.

In another exemplary embodiment, the check/cash discriminator provides adetermination of whether a sheet is likely a currency bill or afinancial check based on the sheet having the presence (or absence) ofparticular features. Checks typically include a micr line, which hasmagnetic characteristics. Thus, one factor in the determining (whether asheet is a bill or check) can be based on whether a magneticcharacteristic is present in the unidentified sheet. The presence ofmagnetic ink in a particular (expected) area of a sheet can be used toidentify the sheet as a check. Note the discussion in U.S. applicationSer. No. 12/798,246 filed Mar. 31, 2010, which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

A sheet can be moved past a magnet to magnetize any magnetic inkcharacters that are present. The sheet is then moved past magneticsensors (e.g., discrete spot-type sensors). The sensors can be used tohelp provide a coarse indication of the presence of magnetic printing(e.g., micr characters). The indication can be conducted withoutrequiring actual reading of the micr characters. The determined presenceof magnetic ink in an appropriate (expected) location, such as in a linenear a corner of the check, is sufficient to identify the particularsheet as a check. Depending on the amount of sensors employed, theanalysis may involve rotating and/or flipping the sheet so that all fourcorners are magnetically reviewed.

The same principal can be applied in distinguishing between bills andchecks. Currency bills will not normally have a number of magnetic inkcharacters all aligned in a (single) line near a (single) corner area ofa check. Thus, a computer can be used in conjunction with the magneticsensors (e.g., magnetic read heads) to determine whether an unstackedsheet has the magnetic outline of a check.

Another factor that can be used in determining whether an unidentifiedsheet is a bill or check is whether a distinguishable visualcharacteristic feature is present in one or more images of the sheet.That is, the determination can include image analysis. A sheet is imagedby an imager (e.g., a camera). After the sheet has been imaged, theimage analysis (which involves a computer) includes searching for thepresence of particular features in the image(s).

U.S. currency bills have certain features that would not normally befound on a check. For example, U.S. currency bills have a portrait of aPresident. As a result, there is an image of two human eyes on the frontof each bill. After the sheet has been imaged, the image analysis caninclude looking for elements within the pixels that correspond to thepresence of two human eyes. The finding of such distinguishing featureswill identify the particular sheet as a currency bill rather than acheck. Other unique features known to be present on currency bills (butnot on checks) can also be looked for within an image, so as todiscriminate the sheet from a check. For example, an additional uniquefeature of a bill may be the same numeric value being located at pluralcorners. Other unique features of a bill can comprise particularlanguage, symbols, and/or color being located at particular areas.

Some exemplary arrangements include imaging every sheet, and thenanalyzing the images for the presence of a unique feature that is onlyfound on a currency bill. The analyzing can begin before all of thesheets are removed from the stack. When a currency bill feature isfound, then the sheet is directed to the sheet path that is appropriatefor currency bills. If it is concluded that a sheet does not have one ofthe currency bill features, then the sheet is (by default) treated as acheck. Since the check has already been imaged, no further need of thephysical paper check is needed. Thus, the paper version of the check canbe stored within the machine, marked on (canceled) and returned to theuser, or destroyed (e.g., disfigured, shredded, etc.) by the machine.Alternatively, every sheet may be imaged and analyzed for features onlyappearing on checks. Those sheets without the (check) features can beprocessed as a currency bill (by default).

As previously discussed, checks can have certain features that would notnormally be found on a currency bill. In an exemplary embodiment,reading micr line data magnetically with a read head is not necessary.The micr line data can be read optically from an image of the check.Thus, another factor that can be used in determining whether anunidentified sheet is a bill or check is whether one or more uniquecheck characteristic features (e.g., micr line data) are present in oneor more images of the sheet.

Another factor that can be used in determining whether an unidentifiedsheet is a bill or check is whether a particular feature can be read ata predetermined moving speed. Again, the relative speed can be eitherthe moving speed of the sheet or the moving speed of the reading device.The particular feature may even be common to both a bill and a check.However, because of the differences in paper properties between a billand a check, a higher speed only enables the particular feature to beproperly read from one of the bill and check. The ability to read theparticular feature at the high speed can signify one type of sheet whileruling out the other type of sheet.

The inability to read the particular feature can result in a need toperform additional analysis on the still unidentified sheet. Theadditional analysis can include one or more attempts to read theparticular feature (or a different feature), but at one or more slower(different) speeds. This slower speed may allow the particular feature(or the different feature) to be properly read. As a result of theplural readings, the sheet can be identified. The additional analysiscan also include other exemplary deciding factors discussed herein.

Another factor that can be used in determining whether an unidentifiedsheet is a bill or check can be based on the shape of the sheet.Proximity sensors can be used to detect the four edges of therectangular sheet. These detections allow a computer to determine thelength between at least one pair of opposite edges. From the determinedlength between only two edges (or from a determined total perimeterlength) the computer can further determine whether the sheet correspondsto a bill or a check.

Other factors that distinguish a check sheet from a bill sheet can alsobe used. For example, an analysis can be based on the typicaldifferences in weight between a check and a currency bill. Anotheranalysis can be based on the differences in static and/or movingfriction caused by a check and a currency bill. Still other analyses canbe based on the number of different fingerprints detected on the sheet,since a well-circulated bill would have many different fingerprints.

An analysis (such as for a bill) can also be used that piggy backs on(or complements) a normal analysis that would need to be conductedanyway (for the bill). For example, a particular one of the stepsnormally associated with a full validation analysis for a bill can beperformed during the process of discriminating an unidentified sheet. Ifthe sheet is identified as a bill then the particular validation step(which was already performed) does not need to be repeated. The processof discriminating an unidentified sheet may also include switchingbetween use of a particular validation step for a bill and a particularvalidation step for a check. Thus, the sheet discriminating process canbe arranged to shorten the (later performed) validation process.

In another exemplary embodiment, the check/cash discriminator provides adetermination of whether a sheet is likely a currency bill or afinancial check based on the sheet having the presence (or absence) ofradiation reflected from the sheet. Again, currency bills and checksnormally have different paper properties. The reflectance of variousforms of radiation from bill paper and check paper will generallyproduce different properties. Radiation transmitted at a bill willresult in the radiation being reflected from the bill surface in amanner indicative of a bill. In contrast, radiation transmitted in thesame manner at a check will result in the radiation being reflected fromthe check surface in a manner indicative of a check. Thus, a sensing ofhow the radiation was reflected (or how much emitted radiation wassensed as reflected radiation) from the sheet can be used in thedetermining process. That is, a sensing of the transmittance andreflectance of radiation with regard to various sides of a sheet can beanother usable factor in distinguishing between bills and checks. Asingle unit may comprises both the radiation transmitter and theradiation receiver. Alternatively, separate units may be used.

FIG. 95 shows an arrangement that includes an unidentified sheet 1130and radiation emitter/sensors 1132, 1134.

The sensed amount of radiation that passed through the sheet can beanother determining factor. That is, the difference between the knownamount of radiation emitted by an emitter on a first side of the sheetand the amount of radiation actually sensed by a sensor on the otherside, can be used to discriminate the sheet between a check and a bill.Various forms of radiation can be employed, including light.

Emission and detection of at least one of a radio frequency (RF)infrared (IR), laser, and sonic can also be used in a similar manner.The use of predetermined transmittance and measured reflectance can alsobe part of analyzing a sheet based on surface texture, as previouslydiscussed.

An exemplary embodiment provides for the decision (on whether a sheet islikely a currency bill or a financial check) to be based on theultrasonic profile of the sheet. Relative to checks, currency billstypically have a greater level of embossing. The ultrasonic signal thatis passed from an emitter, then through an area of the currency billthat is adjacent to the top or bottom edge, and then on to one or moreultrasonic sensors, will produce a very distinctive profile (arecognizable bill profile) because of the embossing. This ultrasonicembodiment can also be used to identify a bill versus a check.

FIG. 96 shows an arrangement that includes an unidentified sheet 1140,an ultrasonic emitter 1142, and a sensor 1144. As in the otherarrangements, the devices (e.g., emitter 1142 and sensor 1144) used inthe analysis can be in operative connection with one or more computers.

As can be seen, a single module (or unit) can include be used todiscriminate between a financial check and a currency bill. Because thecheck/cash discriminator module can be handled as a single unit, it canbe easily installed in and removed from in an automated banking machine.The module arrangement lends ease to its replacement, which enhancesmachine servicing. In an exemplary embodiment, the module includes eachof the check/cash discriminator, a bill validator, and a checkvalidator.

If a sheet has been identified as a currency bill or a check, then it issent to its appropriate validator (i.e., a bill validator or a checkvalidator). That is, based on sheet identification the sheet is handleddifferently. A check is moved to a financial check validator, whereas abill is moved to a currency bill validator.

The exemplary embodiment allows for different path arrangements to beused. The (original) sheet path that was used for identifying theunstacked sheet may also include (further downstream) one of the twovalidators, whereas the other validator is positioned adjacent toanother separate path. Alternatively, the financial check validator canbe located in a separate check path, and the currency bill validatorlocated in a separate bill path. Both the check path and the bill pathwould be distinct (and spaced) from the original sheet path (and fromeach other). Thus, routing (directing or transferring) a sheet from theoriginal sheet path to a different path may need to be carried out.

A validator may be configured or positioned such that it only reads asheet in a particular orientation (e.g., long side leading or short sideleading). For example, a bill validator may have the bills pass longside leading, whereas in a check validator comprising a check imager itmay be best to image the check when the check is moving short sideleading.

The appropriate path (i.e., check path or bill path) may be configuredto the orientation expected by the validator. Thus, an identified sheetmay need to be rotated (e.g., 90 degrees) by a sheet rotator mechanismprior to its entry into a new (different) path. A sheet rotator caninclude the use drive members, such as transport balls as discussed inapplication Ser. No. 13/135,663 filed Jul. 12, 2011, which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety. The sheet drive member can becontrolled independently. Transport balls working together (at differentends of a sheet) can cause the sheet to be rotated relative to a sheettransport path. Thus, if necessary a sheet can be rotated (spun) 90degrees.

The different paths (e.g., check path or bill path) may also move asheet at different speeds, especially if validation is based oncapturing an image of the sheet. An image of a bill may only need to be20 dpi, 50 dpi, or 100 dpi. In contrast, a validation process for acheck might require a 200 dpi or higher quality image. For example, alower level dpi may be sufficient to validate a bill as genuine butinsufficient to create a full reproducible visual check image that islegally required for financial transaction purposes.

A currency bill validator may conduct an analysis (to identify a genuinebill) that includes using (reading, sensing) embossing, watermarks,security threads, magnetic elements, and/or other valid currency billfeatures. The sensing may be carried out on the paper bill or on animage(s) of the bill.

A financial check validator may conduct an analysis (to identify agenuine check) that includes determining the micr line characters,reading the courtesy amount, reading the legal amount, determining thata date is present, determining that the check was signed on the frontside, determining that the check was signed (endorsed) on the back side,and/or other valid financial check features.

As can be seen, one or more (or a combination) of these exemplaryapproaches to a check/cash discriminator can be used to distinguishwhether an unidentified sheet is either a bill or a check. Thereafter,the exemplary arrangements allow the sheet to undergo a validationprocess. As a result, the sheet may be treated or routed differentlybased on its identification determination. The different treatment mayinclude rotating (turning) the identified sheet from its initialorientation, directing the identified sheet to a different path, movingthe identified sheet at a different speed, and/or other appropriateaction based on its particular identification.

Of course it should be understood that these approaches are exemplaryand in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

Thus the exemplary embodiments achieve at least some of the above statedobjectives, eliminate difficulties encountered in the use of priordevices and systems, and attain the useful results described herein.

In the foregoing description certain terms have been used in describingexemplary embodiments for purposes of brevity, clarity andunderstanding. However no unnecessary limitations are to be impliedtherefrom because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and areintended to be broadly construed. Moreover the descriptions andillustrations herein are by way of examples and the invention is notlimited to the features shown or described.

Further, in the following claims any feature described as a means forperforming a function shall be construed as encompassing any means knownto those skilled in the art as being capable of carrying out the recitedfunction, and shall not be deemed limited to the particular means shownor described for performing the recited function in the foregoingdescription, or mere equivalents thereof.

Having described the features, discoveries and principles of theinvention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated, any ofthe advantages and useful results attained; the new and usefulstructures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations,systems, equipment, operations, methods, processes and relationships areset forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A non-transitory, tangible computer readable medium with instructions stored thereon for execution by a processor, and when executed operable to: obtain data representative of a sheet texture characteristic for a plurality of sheets from a sensor; determine from the data representative of the sheet characteristic a level of sheet texture vibration for a first sheet of the plurality of sheets; compare the level of sheet texture vibration for the first sheet to a predetermined level of vibration; and determine based at least partly on the comparison, that the first sheet is a currency note responsive at least in part to determining the level of vibration of the first sheet is at least the predetermined level of vibration.
 2. The computer readable medium according to claim 1, the instructions are further operable to: determine from the data representative of the sheet characteristic a level of sheet texture vibration for a second sheet of the plurality of sheets; compare the level of sheet texture vibration for the second sheet to the predetermined level of vibration; determine based at least partly on the comparison, that the second sheet is a financial check responsive at least in part to determining the level of vibration of the second sheet below the predetermined level of vibration.
 3. The computer readable medium of instructions according to claim 2, the instructions are further operable to cause the first sheet to be routed to a currency note sensor responsive to determining the first sheet is a currency note.
 4. The computer readable medium of instructions according to claim 3, the instructions are further operable to cause the second sheet to be routed to a check sensor responsive to determining the second sheet is a financial check.
 5. A non-transitory, tangible computer readable medium with instructions stored thereon for execution by a processor, and when executed operable to: obtain data representative of a sheet texture characteristic for a plurality of sheets from a sensor; determine from the data representative of a sheet texture characteristic an amount of changes in sheet texture for the plurality of sheets along a predetermined length of a first sheet; compare the amount of changes for the plurality of sheets to a predetermined amount; determine a first sheet of the plurality of sheets is a currency note responsive at least in part to the amount of changes along the predetermined length of the sheet being at least the predetermined amount; and determine that a second of the plurality of sheets is a cheek responsive at least in part to the amount of changes along the predetermined length being less than the predetermined amount.
 6. The computer readable medium of instructions according to claim 5, the instructions are further operable to cause the first sheet to be routed to a currency note sensor responsive to determining the first sheet is a currency note.
 7. The computer readable medium of instructions according to claim 6, the instructions are further operable to cause the second sheet to be routed to a check sensor responsive to determining the second sheet is a financial check.
 8. A non-transitory, tangible computer readable medium with instructions stored thereon for execution by a processor, and when executed operable to: obtain data representative of a sheet texture characteristic for a plurality of sheets from a sensor; determine a sheet surface topography for the plurality of sheets based at least in part on the data representative of a sheet texture characteristic of the first sheet; compare the sheet surface topography of the sheets to a predetermined surface topography; determine based at least part on the comparison with the predetermined surface topography that a first sheet of the plurality of sheets corresponds to a currency note; and determine based at least in part on the comparison with the predetermined topography that a second of the plurality of sheets corresponds to a check.
 9. The computer readable medium of instructions according to claim 8, the instructions are further operable to: cause the first sheet to be routed to a currency note sensor responsive to determining the first sheet is a currency note; and cause the second sheet to be routed to a check sensor responsive at least in part to determining that the second sheet is a financial check.
 10. A non-transitory, tangible computer readable medium with instructions stored thereon for execution by a processor, and when executed operable to: obtain data representative of an image for a plurality of sheets a sensor; determine an amount of visual indicia for sheets belonging to the plurality of sheets; compare the data representative of a visual indicia for the sheets with a predetermined amount of visual indicial; determine that a first sheet of the plurality of sheets is a currency note based at least in part on determining the visual indicia of the first sheet is at least the predetermined amount; and determine that a second of the plurality of sheets is a financial check based at least in part on determining that the indicia of the second sheet is less than the predetermined amount.
 11. The computer readable medium of instructions according to claim 10, the instructions are further operable to cause the first sheet to be routed to a currency note sensor responsive to determining the first sheet is a currency note.
 12. The computer readable medium of instructions according to claim 11, the instructions are further operable to cause the second sheet to be routed to a check sensor responsive to determining the second sheet is a financial check.
 13. A non-transitory, tangible computer readable medium with instructions stored thereon for execution by a processor, and when executed operable to: obtain data representative of a visual indicia on a first side of sheets of a plurality of sheets; obtain data representative of a visual indicial on a second side of sheets of the plurality of sheets; compare an amount of visual indicia on a first side sheets of the plurality of sheets with the second side of the sheet; determine that a first sheet of the plurality of sheets is a currency note based at least in part on the comparison of the amount of visual indicia of the first side of the first sheet with the amount of visual indicia on the second side of the first sheet; and determine that a second sheet of the plurality of sheets is a check based at least in part on the comparison of the amount of visual indicia of the first side of the second sheet with the amount of visual indicia on the second side of the second sheet.
 14. The computer readable medium of instructions according to claim 13, the instructions are further operable to cause the first sheet to be routed to a currency note sensor responsive to determining the first sheet is a currency note.
 15. The computer readable medium of instructions according to claim 14, the instructions are further operable to cause the second sheet to be routed to a check sensor responsive to determining the second sheet is a financial check. 